Stereotypes what I have of Americans as Finn #1 Exceptionalism combined with massive ignorance about world in general (like when it comes to geography, how things (healthcare for example) works in other countries, etc). #2 Always running after money, working in multiple places, living to work. #3 Body-shy (for most of them nudity is just bad or unpleasant). #4 Odd relationship with nature (recycle isn't a thing in US, free plastic bags at grocery store, hiking/walking in nature is quite rare). #5 Weird individualism (Karen's, guns as sign of freedom, for profit healthcare/education systems are also seen as freedom for many US folks). Just 5, I think it's enough :)
@@tommieklund267 in Germany we have a "Pfand-System" so we get a little bit money back when we return our bottles. In Switzerland they have another system and they are way more econimcal than the Americans. And when I remember the time when I have been to America and when i see how harsh reactions I got from the natives when I struggled with their "tipping system" and when I tried to get my car fueled... that was not cool. And when I tried to get some gasonline and wasn´t able to get some because I had a non-American credit card.... I was forced (everytime btw) so pay some bucks in advance (cash) and then got some money back after I fueled my car. That was weird. I asked them why rhey do this - answer: We are afraid of getting betrayed and that you leave without paying. (WHAAAAAT? :-o )
So remembering my time in the US and when I see how Americans are used to be as tourists and when I see the news and tv shows and their overall habits (like how they cope with nudity, violance, politics, religion, alcohol, health system) - I unfortunately must asume for myself that I do not like Americans in general - nevertheless, there are some cool Americans around. But overall I am glad to not live in the US
@@muiggmuigg Maybe general trust in US society is lower? Here you get some money back when you return plastic bottles and cans. I think we started recycling bottles somewhere in 1950+ in Finland.
My relationship with United States is complex to say the least (I'm swedish, btw). On one hand, seen as a whole country I generally disagree with most of their views and policies. On the other hand, most if not all American people I've met have been super friendly, intelligent, sweet and genuine people. I think it's easy to sometimes forget the size of the population and that it's important to keep in mind that the news only shows fragments of what's going on in a nation the size of Europe.
It depends on where you live in the United States. There is no set standard for every single state as far as education goes. In some of the southern states, there are a lot of people who only have a 4th grade level education, but in the north it is mandatory that you go to school up to 12th grade. I live in Wisconsin and education is quite important here. I had a friend who struggled with math and had to take algebra 2 level math twice (they were scheduled to take it a 2nd time before they moved to Utah). When they got to Utah, the school counselors looked at their transcripts and saw that they took 3 years of math, and said......"oh you're good, you don't have to take anymore math!" Some states sex educations is really important, and others it is considered evil because God doesn't talk about it in the Bible. Another thing that sucks is that a lot of people get their news/education from the media and the media isn't required to tell the truth. If some facts don't support a media outlets point of view, they won't report on it, because they already have their mind made up on what the truth is. There is so much information out there in American society (both truthful and false) that a majority of American's don't even want to take the time to do the research because they're overstimulated.
@@erics607 Which southern states allow you to drop out after 4th grade? I thought the feds set a standard of no younger than 16; with the exception of the Amish communities in PA and OH.
The US has 85 major metro cities, all bigger than Stockholm. One cannot generalize about the US. It is to diversified, to big to throw into a narrow mind.
As for eating candy etc. I think you the problem is added sugars and fats in "regular food". There's nothing wrong with having a fika every now and then, it's what you eat for breakfast, lunch etc. that makes a difference. When I was living in the US for 6 months, I was surprised by how difficult it was to find simple raw materials for cooking, a lot of things had added sweetening etc. There's a big difference in eating unsweetened youghurt and muesli, with eating sweetened youghurt with some sugary breakfast cereal.
@@tobsonj8114 Sure there are some tragic problems, but Sweden is still a great country by almost any measure, and it's beautiful. I was joking (including about Greta Thunberg who I think brings attention to an important issue). :-)
You pretty much covered it all, perhaps with the exception on the huge emphasis on the concept of "freedom" and patriotism. Ask someone from Sweden and someone from The USA what they think when they hear the words freedom and patriotism and I bet you would get very different answers.
The Finnish guy I know (Online mostly) in Sweden told me that "patriotism is bad" and that this is "a hard concept to get across to Americans." Personally I found his comment to be short-sighted. There's a difference between superficial patriotism and actual, outright, nationalistic "jingoism". They are two different concepts. It scares me that people from the EU can't seem to separate the two in their heads, if my friend is correct. (Though I can understand your reluctance to display national pride to a point; your next-door neighbors were annexed by Hitler.) Still, the reasons for WW2 and Hitler run a lot deeper than simply some flag-waving.
American here... yeah I’d say those stereotypes are spot on for parts of the country. I don’t get the gun obsession here, I mean shooting can be fun but most people are not responsible enough to be driving cars let alone having access to guns.
I hear you, but that goes both ways. I don't know how many times I've read comments about some version of Sweden's supposedly homogenous society of blonds with no diversity. Little do they know that most adult Swedes have some shade of brown hair, and that Sweden has a larger immigration than the U.S. per million citizens.
Att resa är inte synonymt med att vara medveten och intresserad av andra kulturer eller att vara allmänbildad om andra länder. Och man kan faktiskt vara det senare nämnda utan att man rest. Min fördom om USA är att det är ett land där allting finns i storlek XXXL. Stora; bilar, matporttioner, kläder, människor, landskap, träd, idrottsevenemang, konserter, drömmar etc..
Stora affärer att köpa sina stora prylar till sina stora hem med stora familjer som äter stora burgare på stora bbq partyn. Det känns också som att amerikaner bryr sig mer om ytan, typ du bjuder hem folk du inte gillar eftersom det förväntas, nog för att svenskar bryr sig om att vara PK men att de typ vill ha en variation av vänner typ en asiat, en svart, ett gaypar, en vegan osv för att liksom ha någon typ av okej att visa att man tycker alla har lika värde. Jag är föresten en adopterad svart asiat som bott mesta delen av mitt liv i Sverige så jag kan inte säga hur det är på andra ställen men här skulle det inte fungera att starta en grupp som black lives matter eftersom de officiellt redan är accepterade av den allmäna befolkningen även om det finns vitmakt grupper så är dessa ännu i minioritet. Det gör att det känns som USA har fler klyftor som är svårare att ta sig över trotts att befolkningen säger sig vara öppna vilket låter i mina öron väldigt motsägelsefullt och skumt.
I don't think the Americans know enough about Sweden to have any specific stereotypes about them. The only stereotype that I'm aware of is that all Swedes are tall, thin, blonde haired, blue eyed, and good looking.
Stefan, good description of stereotypes we Swedes have about US citizens. You seem to agree with them also. When you describe something big and complex, you have to generalize and take the big picture. You forgot some more and important. Excessive nationalism. Talk a lot and say a little. Use too big words, "fantastic" when something is just ok or good. "I love you" when you just like someone. Etc., etc. The words lose meaning and value, how can one believe what such a person says. "Hmm, how much does he / she really like me?" "How good was it really?" So say what you really mean!
Define "nationalism". Because of flag waving and patriotism? Or the fact that we invaded Iraq with no provocation? Superficial patriotism, or even real patriotism, is very different than jingoism.
Americans have sugar, corn starch, corn syrup, palm oil, soy starch and so on, in a higher degree in the food than in the rest of the world. It’s cheaper to produce that way. This raises and keeps the insulin on a extremely high level. This in its turn stores fat. In the rest of the world people tend to make food from not processed ingredients and prefabricated “just add water” products. It is high insulin levels that is the biggest problem.
(I'm a Swede) I have such an ambivalent relationship with the US. I love parts of it's culture, how independance is cherished and how it's basically possible to live in a unincorporated area and be left alone. Sometimes i think parts of the US would be paradise for an introverted Swede. But then again, there's this puritanism and moralism in some parts of american society that i do think rhymes very poorly with the idea of minding one's own business. And even if i love guns and i do hunt, i do think it has gone overboard in the US. Guns to me are extremely serious stuff, tools to be handled with extreme care and thought and for particular appliances and situations like hunting or competition. For me the thought of every day carrying a pistol would feel absurd, like living in a war zone.
Frederich: I'm glad to hear an opinion on here that's based more on facts and observations, rather than assumptions (as most of the people here are assuming rather than knowing.) Thank you!
@@supercolinblow Thanks. What it all boils down to is that i really like the US and most of the citizens i've met. And I do have quite a lot of relatives in Oregon, Idaho, Minnesota and North Dakota and they seem like any other people (Which is a bit of a scandinavian compliment) But, like all countries it from time to time faces hardships, decisions to be made and crisis. I would say that the way your health care and health insurance system works has made covid more of a problem than if it was organized a slighly different way. It makes people far too economically vulnerable. And the gun thing. It has gone from a reasonable familiarity to a somewhat unhealthy obsession. That is nothing unique for the US and in an historical view, people and nations has had these kind of phases. The Netherlands in the 1600s became so fixated with tulips it wrecked their entire economy. These things happen. They either culminate in chaos or ebb out. So i guess we'll se how it plays out. Either way i'm visiting the US at a later covid safe time.
Most swedes do loves traveling but yes we are not so into other cultures, all we want is a nice warm weather to get a sun burn, cheap beer and good food thats all :D
I've been in Sweden since February (moved from North Carolina) and I was definitely surprised how much candy and sweets in general there are here. What I think is interesting is that IMO America has a "diet" culture to a degree that I haven't seen yet in Sweden. So here it's pretty normal to have candy or fika or whatever, and it's just part of your life, but in America there's a much larger (heh) part of the population on a non-stop diet train of shame and restriction followed by binging and mentality of "good foods bad foods".
Yeah, it seems like in the US it´s more of an all or nothing attitude, when it comes to food. That you´re either very health concious and exclude certain food items and turn it into a life style, or you binge huge portions of fast food. While in Sweden I think things are done in moderation. We eat fast food, but smaller sizes, and not every week. When I think about this, I wonder if this about shame, restriction, good foods, bad foods mentality has a bit to do with religiousity. Not that it has anything with religiousity in itself, but it´s a part on how you were raised, and those things are then used for foods to. That it´s a difference in mentality. That it´s like a sin to endulge in some delicious piece of cake, and if you do you need to repent by exercising hard. While a person who hasn´t been raised in a culture with the concept of sin, is less likely to have that good vs evil mindset when it comes to food. But I don´t know. It was just a thought that crossed my mind.
I’m an American and I agree about the news. I am in my 40s and it never used to be like this. We have an idiot in office. Fox News is for his brainwashed followers. In the 1980s and 90s newscasters would just read from the paper they were given and just state the facts. News now is everyone’s opinions. It’s terrible. Can’t wait until this president is out of office. I’m voting for literally anyone but Trump.
I went to America once on vacation and stayed at a Holiday Inn. I kid you not, there were more doughnuts and pastries than savoury bread, and I'd bet that bread probably had sugar in it. Kinda says a lot!
A lot of hotels in the US serve a "continental breakfast" (I am confused as to why they call it this, especially because, yes, they serve doughnuts.) Not a bad observation I must say! Where did you visit in the US?
True facts. I had this online american friend that said "Oh yeah Sweden, i've heard of it, isn't that where all the great chocolate comes from?" And i was like "No honey, that would be Switzerland." They seriously don't know the difference.
Yeah, it must have been really confusing for the american viewers when the final of the world championship in hockey 2018 was between sweden and switzerland 😄
I and my American boyfriend looked up some different things that both countries have to see if there would be any difference. For example Redbull, a normal 33cl Redbull contained 3 times the amount of sugar in America than in Sweden. We also looked up the sizes of cups you got at fast food places for soda, a big cup in Sweden was seen as a small cup in America..
I'm made in US of Swedish parts. I saw the Australian PM at the time on interview shows after another US mass shooting. What I remember is Australia didn't ban guns but regulates them like motor vehicles i.e. licencing, regulating, taxing, etc.
You're my second favourite American! And I have spent many years over there in Salem, Oregon, in the 80's and in Columbus,Ohio, in the 90's. My favourite American is my Ohio-born son of course who is only a few years younger than you and he a lot like you! ! I hope you are having a great summer!
The nice stereotype I had a difficult time wrapping my head around. I live in the Midwest and people who live in the Midwest most of the time are super friendly and will help out with anything, yet people on the East coast just seem to be rude or ignorant. However as you have talked about, Swedes don't have the same mindset as American's so someone from the East coast could be considered friendly to them. Plus with people being rude and ignorant, you also have the southern niceness/hospitality. I do agree that in general, Americans tend to not have open minds. American's love to think that they're #1 in the world or that they know everything. I watched a video yesterday about how Sweden has public busses that run off of methane, and that they import garbage from other countries to help make their country more sustainable/green. That shocked me, because it's kind of embarrassing that countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, etc.....can figure this stuff out, yet the United States can't even implement it.
The loose clothing thing is very true. I work at an international company here in Sweden, and we do get quite a few Americans coming here. I can almost always tell someone's from the US before he (they are always men) opens his mouth, just looking at his clothes. They seem to always wear suits that are three sizes too big.
My stereotype of americans as an dane is that they are very polarized/torn like if you have two different political parties you vote for you can't or have a had time being friends
I loved this topic and I would like to suggest that you keep doing that theme maybe inviting people from other nationalities and disgusting the other stereotypes from swedish point of view
Swede in America here. Americans generally don’t know a lot about the rest of the world. When I say I’m Swedish they barely know where it is. Americans think Europe consists of France, Italy, Great Britain and Spain. So much food is labeled like “French vanilla coffee”, “Swiss cheese”, “Italian bread”. Italian bread is the saddest loaf of white bread you can find 😂 all this just to make things sound exotic
My Swedish stereotypes of Americans are: *) They have very good universities (in science) that has produced many Nobel price winners. *) At the same time, they have a lot of religious lunatics and pretty ignorant people. *) Half of the poulation is slim and healthy and the other half is fat, pretty binary. *) The state is not trying to tell you the details on how you should live your life. *) You are allowed to defend yourself, for good and for bad.
@Rita Roork You are kind of right that Sweden is pretty socialist though. With an huge *total* tax of 30% hidden tax + 30% visible tax + 25% sales tax + heavy point taxes. There are a lot of religious lunatics here too, btw. Some belive in your god, many others have their own, but most belive in globalism and totalitarism (which may actually be the most dangerous sect of them all, in the long run).
@Rita Roork I'm not your "sweetie" either... You seem to have som issues with reading comprehension. I'm not defending high taxes either, as they largely go to corruption. More and more so for every decade. I'm glad you are confindent in your fantasy world though. Religion have helped many people feel better and survive hardship. That's probably why the evolution have kept this trait, this tendency to belive in whatever makes you feel good.
OMG I was thinking the same thing. ..I tend to each more candy and soda here than I did in the US. Now that you mention it, it probably does have to do with me seeing Swedes (who I subconciously think of as healthy) do it, and I subconciously think it is ok to do it too.
One stereotype i have concerns about is bragging. It looks like that Americans seem to find it beneficial and as a good thing to brag about themselves or their property. Which in a Swedes eye can make them seem self-absorbed or egocentric and not think or relate to other people. In Sweden that is a ugly thing and not nice. We have a name for it also, it is called Jantelagen.
Haha that was 99% right if you ask me. People will have some funny reactions when they find out that I speak a good amout of French and that I am learning to speak Swedish. Here in the USA more so here in the south I think, people have the idea that if it is not American then it has no importance. I feel like we need to look up to othet countrys like Sweden. We are after all a very young country and should look to the elder countrys for wisdom.
I resently saw an episode from "På gränsen med Peter Jihde" and in that episode they talked about the guns in the US. I was in shock the whole time... He talked to a couple who was going to give their grandchild, who was 4, a small gun to play with... Like..WHAT?!
Yeah, but that's like sending an American TV team to Sweden to find that one family who won't reveal their child's gender because doing so will mold the child under some oppressive gender roles. Foreign journalist love to seek out some weird shit few among the people who acually live there have ever heard of, or at best seen on TV. What if people just learn that just because a TV program shows something from a country, that doesn't necessarily mean it's representative.
As an American, I have 4 bucket list places I want to go to. One of them is Sweden, as a matter of fact! We have family friends who live there. The sad truth is that I do not have a passport, solely because of affordability. But, once I get the money, I want one! I have not seen my friend Hilda (she's one of the Swedes) in almost 10 years and I miss her very much and am eager year after year to see her again! But, I feel that even if I didn't know Hilda and her amazing family, I would still love to learn about other cultures, simply because I am a huge nerd. But thanks for sharing!
@@rickardelimaa in America, it’s $145. This is with application fees. I live in a big family, so getting a passport for everyone would be around $900-$1000. And with Joe Biden potentially raising taxes and things like that, the cost has a potential to raise. We’re also dealing with college and cars and things like that, which are more immediately needed than a passport. But, hopefully we’ll be able to afford passports soon!
Here's a stereotype about Americans I have as a Finn, and a pet peeve of mine: when they speak as if they were the only country with democracy and freedoms in the world. "What makes the US unique is that here we can freely criticize the government" -- they say stuff like that with a straight face. It's so cringy. I mean, yeah, the 1st amendment is more permissive in the US than in some European countries, but that's a minor difference and hardly warrants the sense of exceptionalism. Also, free speech may be enshrined in the constitution but still curtailed in practice in various ways -- e.g., by firing a journalist for speaking against the Iraq war when the government was pushing for it.
Stereotype is not the word to describe it, but there is one thing that a lot of you people do that sort of irritates me. I raised the subject in the comment-section of another video here on youtube, and it immediately got a lot of negative reactions. They would tell me that I was wrong and stupid and ignorant and they'd refuse to see my point and misunderstand on purpose. Now in this video, you did that thing that irritate me. The subject I am talking about is that some people of the U.S monopolize the word/name America. In the mind of a U.S citizen, America is a country - their country, whereas I adhere that The United states of America is called that because it is a nation compiled of 50 states located on the CONTINENT of (North)America. In the video, you talked about America and Mexico, but Mexico is also located on the continent of (North)America. I might get my head chewed off here, but I hope not. I'm not trying to offend anyone.
Well in Argentina they teach us that America is what some people call "North America, South America and Centre America" because geologically is the same continent so there's one big America lol
As an American I've never understood the stereotype that Americans don't travel, because we often don't go outside the US. As you point out, the US is almost as big as the entirety of Europe. Each state very well could be its own country in that regard, just with a common language. Also, Europeans definitely seem to have a misconception that the US consists of one culture. Between big cities like LA, New York City, Chicago, Seattle, Boston, etc. And areas like the deep south, Texas, the Midwest, New England, and so on there are definitely many cultures within the US. So yeah, many of us don't find the need to drop thousands of dollars on plane tickets alone to travel all around the world. It's not the same as just staying in Sweden your whole life and just going to Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Salmö, and occasionally toward the Northlands.
The obesity problem in the US isn't just because of fast food in specific. It isn't just that Americans only eat from the fast food drive through all the time...most people don't. But most people eat convenience foods, a lot of frozen and prepackaged meals that take 5 to 10 minutes to cook, because we tend to work more hours and have personal time, little to no vacation or sick days, some people work multiple jobs even. So we're in a hurry and we're tired, we don't want to invest much time in cooking. We do have a shocking amount of high fructose corn syrup in foods that you wouldn't expect it, even in foods that aren't supposed to be sweet, like sandwich bread. It's in your ketchup and mustard too. Frozen foods are usually high in fat and shockingly high in sodium. I was looking at a container of Panera Broccoli Cheddar soup only to discover that one bowl of soup contained 40% of your daily value of sodium, and I can't even imagine why it would even need that much salt. So I'm going to guess that Swedish people can have their candy and their daily kanelbullar at fika and it doesn't make as much on an impact because their general diet doesn't have as much sugar, salt, and trans fats and the American one and also the culture is perhaps not as car based, people walk and ride bikes more, and people aren't as sleep deprived because they have more work-life balance. Less or poorer sleep causes your body to overproduce cortisol which causes you to put on weight. Americans have a lot of issues with sleep and gut health.
Rabbi, let's face it, there is a lot of poverty in our country. I'm not proud of it and we could be doing better, especially now that Biden, someone who actually cares is in office. I think it's the poverty that skews the data as poor people don't have access to healthy foods, and don't have the time to exercise, because they're working a lot to pay the bills. If Sweden had 45% people of color, they might not be criticizing the US so much.
@@ront4782 This is true, but also because there is so much high fructose corn syrup in American foods, and often really high sodium. Also, gut health and undersleeping can contribute to weight problems.
For those who enjoy "our" stereotypes lol: YES, We are TOO CHATTY... and we know it. Even we don't like it as much as others think we do. Where we don't like it (generally speaking) is in restaurants or stores. Employers in America train their employees to have a very forward approach to communicating with customers. Some even take it a step farther (literally) with a "foot-in-the-door" approach when they see a customer or if their job performance depends on it they can appear aggressive in their approach to talk/sale to you. For example, you can walk into one store and get a simple "hello, welcome" coming your way the moment you walk in. In other stores you might get that greeting, or none at all, and in some stores you will be greeted by an employee that will pop up talking to you when you're minding your business preoccupied with shopping. Restaurants are the same way; you can eat at one and the conversation happens when you order your food. Once you sit down you're alone to yourself. But others.... be prepared to make a new friend who comes to check on you as you eat every 10-15min.
Pretty much spot on, I'm Swedish but moved to downtown Chicago a couple of years ago. Downtown Chicago is obviously a lot different than rural Indiana for example but there are still huge cultural differences. Both good and bad!
I totally understand that the USA is not as popular as it once was, but after reading the countless amounts of negative comments, i could't help but wonder how many Swedes have actually traveled to the USA for a reasonable amount of time? I agree that the USA is divisive, and has a lot of things to iron out (to put it lightly), but i've noticed certain Europeans will compare there country to America, which is usually massively different in terms of size, population, topography, and demographic. For example, Sweden's entire population is the size of Chicago metro area. I have several Swedish friends who travel internationally to France, Spain, etc. The distance to those countries is still relatively short in the US. It would be like an American traveling from New York to New Orleans. Anyway, i totally respect your opinion, but most of my friends who travel to the US from outside the country get a very different experience (for the better) than just searching on the internet or watching the news.
I think most of the negative comments are valid, but I HIGHLY doubt most europeans that are critical of the u.s have been here for an extended amount of time. American media is heavily consumed globally, so people think they know more about us they then actually do. For example, people always think american food is hot dogs and hamburgers, as if soul food doesn't exist. Or the idea that americans are more patriotic, yet most europeans think they are superior. Hell, as divisive as america is, there's still discussions about race, homophobia, etc here which is sort of indirectly acknowledging there's a problem. Countries like canada claim to be super "nice" yet that country has a dark history with genocide/racism that is still an issue to this day, but people act like racism is an american thing. the fucking irony of people thinking americans are narcistic/patriotic yet think being european makes them superior is astounding. i cant tell you the amount of times i'll be lazily listening to a british podcast, for them to suddenly go on a tangent about how americans have a shitty sense of humor, but there's is better, but oh wait, its americans that are patriotic?
@@nalad9387 I agree with everything you are saying. Those stereotypes that most people have pointed out have truth to them, but they are also only focusing on the very worst that America has to offer. The people they are describing are very poor, overweight, poorly traveled, and extremely generic. The United States has not only been the most innovative country the last 140 years, but also the most artistically innovative. Music like rock n roll (the south), gospel, jazz (new orleans), blues (mississippi delta), country, house music (chicago) techno (detroit), hip hop / rap (new york) have all influenced the world without measure. I had a friend from France visit me one time while she was traveling all across the US (and the world), and she said that she felt American's were a lot more open then the Europeans she grew up with. That the reason Europe has so much of an issue with the US is bc they believe they are the center of the universe, and the Americans think they are the center of the universe too. When they say Americans don't know much about the world, what they really mean is they don't know much about them. But that Europeans are just as ignorant when talking about cultures and issues outside of their own continent.
Great video and intriguing topic! I think that there are elements of truth within each ‘stereotype’, or perception. I grew up in New York State, lived in Minnesota for 4 years, and now live in Wisconsin. Each of these states are very different in terms of culture, language, accent, food, style of dress, etc. For example, in New York, people are DEFinitely louder than folks in Minnesota! All that said I did enjoy the results of your poll! It gives one the opportunity to reflect on the perceptions and perhaps choose to treat ourselves and others in a kinder, more healthy way. And P.S. - I am a certified extrovert. I enjoy interacting with people, so I will say hi to you in Target or the grocery store! Cheers! 😆
I would say my biggest stereotype of Americans, is the extreme attraction to capitalism. I know, in every country people will step upon each other to get ahead or get a bit more money, but an entire country based on that kind of thinking?....
@@slydakota8143 in sweden most elders atleast nod to you, middleaged people just look straight past you and younger people pick up their phone. it's a bit strange, ngl, but that's just the way we do it.
(2.) In the US, the portion size is much bigger at every meal. Alot is deep fried, and vegetables aren't as common on the plate as in Sweden. In the US, everything they eat, they call "food". There is no distinction between candy, chips, soda, snacks, and food, like in Sweden. If we say "mat", that never includes other edibles that real food food. Breakfast in the US is usually larger, more greasy, and it's not uncommon to have a huge cinnamon roll with alot of sugar and stuff on top, and a coffee, or huge muffins or donuts, that the motels serve for breakfast. These are all clichés, but on average, they're quite acurate. Then there are people that eat healthy everywhere, of course, if you can find healthy options.
The obesity problem in America, I feel like, is more due to the sedentary lifestyles and portions sizes. In Sweden, I pretty much walk/bike everywhere. Even if I take public transport during winter, I still have to walk for 15 min to reach the nearest station. Daily exercise really adds up over time. Although Swedish people indulge in unhealthy foods such as, candy, fast foods, fika..etc, very often, food in general comes in smaller portions than in the US.
Whenever I watch an American in a video like this, I always turn the sound down to less than the half the volyme, because you speak so loudly. Even when you´re alone, talking to the camera. When it comes to fast food, I feel like in the US it´s either eating a lot huge portions of fast food, or being super health concious avoiding a lot of foods. While in Sweden it´s more... lagom... In moderation. We eat fast food, but not as much, and smaller portions. We are pretty health concious, but often not taken to the extreme. Another prejudice I have about Americans is that they make decisions with "their gut", and do what feels right, and can be persuaded by emotional arguments, while Swedes are more mind oriented, and can be persuaded by fact arguments. If there are studies that shows that a certain method is more effective and gets a better result, Swedes are more likely to go with that, while Americans can be more like "bah, studies, yeah, right, I rather do what feels right!". About the friendliness, Americans are a bit like dogs while Swedes are like cats. It´s not like the cat like you less, it´s just not a pack animal the way the dog is. If you give it a bit time, the cat will come to you, it´s curious and interested, but more cautious. It´s not that Americans don´t travel as much, a lot of them only watch American TV-series and movies.
The tendency to watch mostly American series could be due to the fact that a single "Season" of a TV show is 26 episodes. In other countries (maybe Sweden too?) a season is 6 episodes---far less to binge-watch.
OMG, I just remembered, last July as I was coming home from Sweden, I boarded the plane in Chicago that was flying to Omaha. IT WAS SO NOISY! All I could think about is the stereotype that Americans are loud and obnoxious; "why can't everyone just stop talking?" 😒
hey bro love your show!!! can you talk about if you traveled your experiences with girls from different countries you been to and what's the easiest countries to hookup and what races do good in these countries on your next video thanks!!!
It's all down to moderation. You can eat fast food and still be healthy as long as you don't eat it too often or too much of it :-) That's usually what the bigger bodied people have a problem with, eating too much of the bad stuff. By the way, if you want to try another really good barber with many years of experience then go to the Lazy Barber near Lilla Essingen. It's my local barber and they're really really good. I also love the 50's theme they have there. If you ever do, tell them Jonathan recommended you to go there ;-)
That we keep things to ourselves and don't confront each other is one of the things that makes the most comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time.
yea, you tried like hell to keep your covid response quite. Hey, how'd that herd immunity work for you? How many grandparents died because you didn't speak up?
Regarding the religious point: There's a theory that Americans are much more religious due to the fact that a part of the European immigrants believed in "free church" movements (mormon, amish, jehova's witness, etc) and when Europe was christened, they chose to emigrate to America rather than convert to the christian church. In Sweden, most of the emigrants ("utvandrarna") where poor farmers but there were some "frikyrkliga" as well. This was mentioned in an episode of "Allt för Sverige".
I agreeee!!! They're sooo rue. It's true it's such a big country but that is not a good excuse to ignore soo much about other countries. At the same time we find helpful Americans all over the world. Your country has helped so many people all over. So I'm thankful even though they think Buenos Aires is in Brazil, etc. It's all the same! It s not the US
I'm a swede and one thing I have always noticed about americans is that they through around the word love all the time. They can say "I love you" to a person they have just met and I have also heard it being used as a goodbye. I guess this goes whith the stereotype of americans being too friendly.
Loud and friendly... Even people that say they are introverts were huggy and friendly. I was super surprised when my american boss who I had never met just yelled OMG it's you! Come give me a hug ^^ It was nice but part of me was not expecting such enthusiasm and friendliness... It was cute. I still went red in the face feeling put on the spot. I know she meant well.
@Amy: I think you should look at this as most Americans are very friendly and do welcome most people with open arms. I think that most Americans genuinely want to help others; we feel we are blessed and by serving and be kind to others we grow. Of course this isn't every American. And don't turn this into a political thing. If someone really and truly needs help, most of us are willing to help. However, don't take advantage of us. For that matter, no body likes to be taken advantage of. (Well almost nobody, there are exceptions to every rule.)
As an American, I pretty much agree with all of those. I do have to say though with the food and the clothing stereotypes, I don't think it is the people's "fault" so much as the society and capitalistic structure. The people in power are so focused on making money and having power that they will cause harm and make things less nice and quality for the people. I am not sure how it is in other countries if the people in power are the same way.
One thing that strengenth the meaning of amarican ignorance that I haven´t seen mentioned yet, is that so many english speaking just dont understand what its like to change language, t make the effort to learn another language. I have even met grown up americans that believe that Europe is one country, Paris is the capitol, and everybody speaks funny accents - yet English.
Hey Stefan! Thanks so much for your videos! COVID quarantine life has my family reflecting a lot on our lives and want to enrich our experiences. We have been watching your videos a lot! Looking for online Swedish courses for my upcoming furlough from work. Any suggestions? Duolingo of course, but any other ideas? Folkuniversitetet has some online classes too but budget wise would not be the best for our family during this time
Thank you, Lisa! Found some good ones with many videos too. In the past I would find someone’s videos I like but they would only make a handful of Swedish videos then stop making them. I was discouraged to look back on RUclips, but thankfully you re-encouraged me to search again.
I don´t have any courses to suggest, but just a few ideas. You can listen to Swedish songs, and then try to translate the lyrics. You can try to read children´s books in Swedish, or cartoons. You can watch Swedish movies and TV-series, even if you don´t understand everything it always good to hear a language a lot. You can play a game with your family where you try to name as many things around you in your home in Swedish. Or when you´re alone, competing with yourself. Like "how many kitchen items/clothes items/animals/colors/food items do I know in Swedish?" and then write down your progress. Each week you'll be learning a few more, breaking your previous records hopefully. Good luck!
Stereotypes I have of America 1: a lot of fast food and added sugar to regular food. (More unhealthy food) 2: not aware of the other countries in the world and mixes up a lot of countries with the other, for example Sweden and Switzerland. Some Americans think we have polar bears walking on the streets. Very ignorant and probably not learning very much geography in school. 3: always trying to flex with their big houses or big gardens and always tries to talk to strangers. Loud. 4: thinks that the world revolves around them. I am not saying that these is for every single American. It’s just the things we joked about in our family. I’m not trying to insult any American it’s just the stereotypes I picked up and learned about which also can be false. Please no angry American responding to this And that part where you said that Americans don’t travel and that’s why they don’t know much. It’s not very much about where you travel. It’s about what you learn in school for example we learn about the Nordic countries, Islam, Christianity, in some cases Native Americans. And we also see a lot of stuff on the TV like news about other countries. We are pretty aware of religions and countries and what is happening around the world without flying to another country. Us Swedes just have that stereotypes because we have probably met an American or a family member has met an American that mixed up Sweden with Switzerland and we see that as very ignorant cause most of them haven’t learned about other countries and mostly focus on America. They might know some countries names like Italy, Spain, France, Japan, China. You get what I mean, they might know names but they don’t know much about the countries cause the probably don’t want to learn, or else they would’ve done research if they were interested. It’s not about where you travel, it’s about what you learn growing up or what research you do
We don't have an "inability to travel". I've been to Europe 3 times. Now that's unusual for an American, but plenty of us do travel and there are Americans who have been to Europe. You all have to stop thinking of Europe as the whole world. In this provincial view of things, you're no different from us.
@@jonaspersson8228 so what? look at the geography of the situation. Most Americans don't live right next door to a foreign country. Americans can travel 1000 km and still be in the same country. There's less need for a passport when you're not crossing borders. And as far as travelling to Europe, transatlantic trips are expensive. You, on the other hand, can travel 1,000 km and have been through a bunch of countries. Swedes have more need of a passport than Americans.
Niclas, they are just wrong, not truthful. Again, US is 280 million people. If one even tries to apply generalities to our diversity, it is laughable, and just shows ignorance of the US.
@@jonaspersson8228 The US is so big. We have everything here that you have and much more. We have diverse cities. We have actual mountains, not hills you call mountains. We have black people. You have a handful. We have deserts. None in Sweden. We have JAZZ! You just want our jazz and fake it when you can. We have every race on the planet living among us. You have just a few from a few countries.
As a Polish person who had been in USA once only for a month, I would say that my stereotypes are: - people from USA tend to dress sloppy (especially in small towns) - a lot of truly obese people - chatty and staight forward, smile a lot and seem very friendly - don't know a lot about Europe or the world outside of USA and history
A lot of comments seem to be about guns but have a look at this: worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/gun-ownership-by-country Finland for example is number 10 on the list... Sweden is number 20, meaning that we are actually quite well equipped also in these "peaceful" Nordic countries. The rate in the US is 120 guns per 100 000 people. In Finland the same number is 32 and in Sweden it´s 23. Mostly in the Nordic area these, civilian guns, are owned in households on the countryside and used for hunting. The major difference between the US and Sweden is that in Sweden (and all Nordic Countries) you are required to pass a theoretical written test and a practical shooting test to get a license. Before being able to do these tests you have to have a Police clearance showing that you have a clean background. Personally, as an owner of several guns, I think this is a good and safe way of keeping dangerous tools away from people who should not have them. Personally I would also like the government to add that anyone who has not done his or her military service should be disqualified from private ownership! The military is absolutely the best trainers in safe gun handling!
I've been thinking about this Americans being ignorant or not knowing much about the rest of the world-thingy. I've heard that "america is big"-argument before, and thought "Europe is big too, but that doesn't make us uninterested in Australia". I mean, I just don't get how "we're big, so therefore..." is a reason :p I remembered one of my American friends who told me that for example "if you look at a map of where you live in America, there's just more American around, so you kind of grow ignorant of the rest of the world", but it only made me think that "when I look at a map of where I live, there's also just more Sweden around 🤔". Of course, if I zoom out I see a lot more, but when the heck do you ever look at a map of your hometown super zoomed out? My point is that just because you just "see" or get reminded of your own country most of the time, clearly doesn't mean you never bother or are curious or interested in the rest of the world. At least, it's clearly not a distinct reason. Lastly tho: aren't you one of the nicest people I've ever seen on RUclips Stefan? 😁
I even think americans, in general, are rather brainwashed to believe US is the absolute superiour country in the world. Kids are obliged in school every morning to hail and swear to the american flag, sing the national song... I've met so many americans that have even travelled the world, but they will not learn anything from other ways of lives, they keep looking for things/ appearences that will give them "proof" of that US really is the superiour country. They do not want to see other ways. I think swedes are so much more aware that we are a small country surrounded by the whole world - with good and bad parts to learn from all over, all around.
@@annikaerf also a good point. And to further strengthen(ish) your point, I think we have a lot to learn from those particular traits of the US that you're talking about 😆
@@annikaerf for one, I think we need a bit of that "brainwashing", but in a more sensible way, in the sense that we swedes tend to lack a sense of national honor, responsibility and pride. I'm really not talking about nationalism, which it often can look like in many places in the world, but a humble appreciation for the country you're in, and for the work people do, and have done to make it great. A deep appreciation for how lucky we are to be in such a stable, prosperous and beautiful country. So no, I take the brainwashing back, but replace it with a stronger national identity and will to help out, do what's right, pay back and forward, and simply go the extra mile for your country and fellow neighbor. We tend to look (or hopefully be) smarter than a lot of what you're describing, but on the other hand too spoiled and naive to appreciate and do the best of it and what we have. Sweden lacks confidence and direction (not that America's got a lot of direction right now either tho, but that's a whole nother thing). So ye, we don't need the brainwashing, but we definitely need humility, identity and a healthy dose of patriotism.
After traveling & staying with a few host families in the USA, I’ve noticed the rigidity; the obsession with the rules and excessive punishment. It’s as if people are living constantly by corporate policies & regulations which they think give them freedom - but they totally don’t. Also, a habit where people tell on each other (often secretly) over the most ridiculous things when sometimes all you’d need is tell the person what was not okay. I felt like I was being watched constantly, security cameras everywhere, if you made a minor mistake no one would be “flexible”, understanding; people were constantly afraid of taking responsibility for anything. When I came back to Europe I felt like I could breathe easy. The amount of control that people in the U.S. have is incredible. On their communications, movements, guidelines for the simplest things.
Is the United States really that controlling in the private sphere? I haven't noticed that. That notion doesn't not prevail from a federal level considering the amount of freedom and ability to do whatever one prefers that has imprinted America for centuries. But I suppose even the freedom lovers has realized that control, stability and order is something desirable. And to reach such a state, drastic measures can be required.
Serenity it really depends on the location and community. Op said she was with host families, which can be military or religious families and so on and are therefore stricter or they’re trying to get some “ground rules” because she wasn’t their kid. Also American parents are a lot more authoritative than Swedish parents because they often view their kids as children until they turn 18 or move out. In Sweden parents are a lot more relaxed and the difference and the lack of perceived freedom as a teen or young adult can be smothering
@@GoogelyeyesSaysHej Hey, I've stayed with different host families (they weren't military or extra religious, however I did notice that some expect you to go to church with them even if it's not your faith) while I was doing culture exchange studies. After I was old enough I was able to rent a room or an apartment, and what I saw is in host families people in general expect you to do what they want even if they ask: "Will you come with us somewhere?". It's never actually a question. Same in schools. In America people ask politely but it's not a question, it's a request. Also, from observing others with their children, people are extremely cautious. Although, even if they say America is a melting pot, I've noticed American students actually stay away from foreigners; they never really mix & they could care less about the other cultures.
I worked in corporate america and this is spot on. it was insanely stressful for no reason, if my team made a TINY mistake, it was as if the world was ending. We were treated like dirt and like we didn't matter, but we were held accountable as if our job had this huge impact. At the same time, we were expected to kiss ass to the higher ups as if we had a chance to "climb the corportate ladder", but this wasn't true at all, my position had no job growth, but they pretended we did to manipulate us into giving our all for the small chance at getting promoted. They tried to pit everyone against each other, and there wasn't any room for mistakes. American capitalism really encourages these environments, and they create a hierarchy so that people at the bottom (who are the most vulnerable people in our society) are constantly forced to sacrifice and compromise themselves for a TINY chance at a better life.
I'm a Swedish Canadian, and my father was American. In my experience with him, his American relatives, and American entertainment, I would have to suggest that the stereotypes you listed are probably around 80% accurate for the overall population of USA. That is to say, around 80% of the population fits at least 4 or 5 of these 7 stereotypes. Many Americans would ev
I don't know if you have mentioned this in some other video but what is your opinion on Lördagsgodis? I don't know if it's a thing in other countries but here in sweden, we mostly reserve things like candy, snacks and soda for fridays and saturdays.
One of the reasons I will not live in Sweden anymore. I don't eat a lot of sugar, but I damn well don't want my government to keep me eating chocolate on Fridays, if I want.
I think if you compared West Coast states to Sweden on each stereotype you'd find very similar numbers except maybe in gun ownership per capita simply because it's in our constitution. Overall urban areas are more fit, more stylish, more "polite but keep to themselves" (Seattle Freeze), less religious, have more healthy eating options (keto, GF, organic, vegan). You're from this reigion like me, which is probably why you love Sweden.
PS. On one cruise a small boy had to help on the stage in a show and that was funny. He did a great job! Then after - sitting on the deck smoking (yes, bad habit I sometimes use during a vacation), an American couple sat beside me and we started talking. The man ended up with saying about the boy and for himself in a loud voice "Proud to be an American". And I just thought "Of course your are proud to be an American! I'm proud to be Swedish, dumbass!". He said it in a very arrogant tone that I actually had to politely say goodnight and take my leave. Hahaha!! I was annoyed because why even say that in such way? Why not say "I was really proud of that little boy, he did a great job being up on that stage" in a more humble way? Just a thought. DS.
Update on Australia and guns...since that recall happened, there are MORE guns per household than before the Australian government declared, "No more guns!" Check it out.
To the rest of the world, America is comprised of two continents, which in turn are comprised of about 50-60 countries, of which one is the USA. A stereotype of Americans I have is that many of them fail to acknowledge this. To me, the country is the United States, the continent is (North) America. I have met a lot of people from Latin America who often reflect on the fact that to the average American, they (as Latin Americans) aren't considered part of America or as Americans. I imagine it's a result of tradition, but it is a bit surreal to think that country takes precedence over continent.
same in parts of the US. It varies state by state, states get to vote their own laws because we are not a small little country with only 6 million homogenous people.
Thanks for yet another great video! 💖🤗 Well.. I’ve met many really kind and sensible Americans but some things that have always confused me (aka weirded me out) are the extent of patriotism and big (blind) trust in the military combined with this strong religiosity... And, to hear stuff like ”Make America great again” can be very tiresome.. 🙈
I grew up either walking or taking my bicycle everywhere and I think many Swedes are used to walk a lot. Most of the Americans I've come across are very religious, though in different churches (Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic etc). Many Americans are unfortunately truly obese, but sure - I can see some in Sweden as well. But more common in the U.S. I do hope they will and are changing their diet. Well, some Americans are very laid back considering clothes, but some are dressed like they are going out to a nice party to mingle. Thinking mostly of the women actually, since that's my experience. Nice nails, hair done, make up and dressed very nicely although (for example in Florida) it's hot as Hades! No, not all Americans are ignorant, our friends are very intelligent. But that may be because they pretty much travelled all around the world. But sure, during some of our (me and my hubby) Caribbean cruises, some did come across as completely idiots. And I get the phrase "How come you know so much?". Reading the news, interested in history, true crime, nature and several other topics? Could it be why? I'm not saying I'm really intelligent, but - sometimes - I don't know. Love your video! Great one! *thumbs up*
Elisabeth, you must have not met many Americans. Some Americans are religious, just like in your country. Some Americans are obese. Many are not. Your experience with Americans is on Caribbean cruises? No wonder. You get a very narrow type of people who are on those cruises. Most are obese, hate to travel to other cultures due to fear, like creature comforts and safety and are about 1% of Americans. So you met 1% of the undereducated, sloppy, loud, obese, fear mongering Americans in Florida and cruises and you think that is representative of 300 million people? You're kind of clueless I must say.
@@ront4782 Hi! No, I've lived in Florida so I've met many Americans. However, they don't just speak about religion (for some reason) when they here I'm from Sweden. No idea why. Our best friends are religious. Baptists. Prayers for dinner etc. But that's okay for me. I respect other's views. So, I say Amen as well for their sake and they do know me. Cruises I do know are different. Where I lived, in Florida, wasn't an obese part. Many walked a lot, run or took their bike. It wasn't Orlando. I've been there too. And yep, they are morbidly obese. Tragically so many of them. California, well, it's been a while. To me, it depends on where you go. But that's just me and really, I don't really think that much of obesity nor religion when I travel. I mostly enjoy such beautiful views - like Bryce Canyon - or walking the beech in San Diego. And maybe I am clueless, who knows. I do have friends both in different States and also American friends moved to Sweden. I'll learn, in time I guess. I think we all do learn, as long as we live. And I've also travelled around the world. Asia, Australia, lived in parts of Europe, so I'm not narrow at all. Perhaps I just wanted to be kind and not fat shaming others. And my comment wasn't put right and I'm sorry about that. But I'm far from narrow. Peace!
I ain’t loud at all. Most people will ask me two or three times what i said I’ve always been quite and shy kinda guy. I was actually taken to a psychiatrist because they thought something was wrong. I saw so many people talking and cutting me off I just developed a habit that I deal with today. I listen more than speak and I am a weirdo. So even if I don’t agree I listen and I learn something. But I love different cultures
When I live in sweden that 19% will go to 20% with my fatass 😂 😂 😂 but a stereotype I heard in sweden is that we put sugar in every meal is probably true because at my job we dumping kilos of sugar into food lol
@Ana Martins well I do apologize, you did came out aggressive but please don't insult me by calling me self centered. I'm not and it's rude... I do knowledge others around the globe see his channel if it makes you happy I'll write where I from next time so there won't be a misunderstanding...
Ismael A. Ana seemed like she wasn’t a native English speaker in her first comment so probably didn’t realize it sounded a bit rude. And your original comment wasn’t totally clear on your nationality tbh, I was a bit confused if you were swedish too
One thing we as Swedes often times think about the U.S. is that many Americans consider their country superior to any other countries. "The greatest country" not only in the world, but "on the face on the earth". This doesn't sit too well with the rest of us though.
Something I been thinking of is the pride of heritage that seems to be very alive in the US. And almost non existent in Sweden. That fascinates me. I don't mean nationalism, but the interest and intense desire to know where you come from, even though your family has lived in the States for hunsreds of years. Swedes are like: Who gives a f**k, pass me the fika! I'm not saying that one is better than the other, just that it differs.
I think the obesity in america has more to do with microbiology. Bad gut floras and other microbiological factors. Usually I ask people as a thought experiment: "Is it the lack of exercise that causes heart disease, or is it the heart disease that makes the exercise more difficult and undesired?" As you say, swedes eat a lot of fika, so there's definetly other factors behind the scenes, that people dont take into account.
A little bit ignorant about the world and history outside of their own country. Loud and can be somewhat obnoxious. Easy to impress probably due to the lack of education ( maybe ). we did have an exchange student from California ( Palo Alto ) for a year and i met a lot of her friends ( she was in the university ) i learned a lot but it was a long time ago. They dress like teens until they are grown up and out of school. My dress sense was very good at the time and they was wondering why i was dressed to go out when it was just the way i dressed. BUT they are so friendly and sweet and easy to engaged with. i love all the different accents and like i said very sweet and nice and helpful.
One thing that really strikes me is how similar swedish people tend to dress, talk, decorate their homes, etc. I feel like America holds a greater acceptans when it comes to personal style and individualism.
Swedes in general like to follow trends and fashion and think it is both important and fun. But there are very many who do not, perhaps because the economy is bad or has no interest. If you look at those who like/think that fashion is important, they more often live in larger cities. I have friends in both camps and it does not matter to either of us, how the other has it at home or dresses.
The stereotype of fast food and fat people is definitely true, but I, like you, didn't eat that way when I lived in the US. Occasionally, but not often by any means. I didn't snack or eat between meals in the States, so fika has been a killer for me. I've gained 6 kilos since I moved here, despite no big changes in overall diet or exercise. It's hard to refuse fika, but I've decided to forego the sweets and bread and stick to coffee.
Stereotypes what I have of Americans as Finn
#1 Exceptionalism combined with massive ignorance about world in general (like when it comes to geography, how things (healthcare for example) works in other countries, etc).
#2 Always running after money, working in multiple places, living to work.
#3 Body-shy (for most of them nudity is just bad or unpleasant).
#4 Odd relationship with nature (recycle isn't a thing in US, free plastic bags at grocery store, hiking/walking in nature is quite rare).
#5 Weird individualism (Karen's, guns as sign of freedom, for profit healthcare/education systems are also seen as freedom for many US folks).
Just 5, I think it's enough :)
I liked your list!! As an American I can say #4 just depends 🤗 but every state does recycle.( in my state we have to pay for it though.)
@@slydakota8143 You can return plastic bottles to store? (and get some money back)
@@tommieklund267 in Germany we have a "Pfand-System" so we get a little bit money back when we return our bottles. In Switzerland they have another system and they are way more econimcal than the Americans.
And when I remember the time when I have been to America and when i see how harsh reactions I got from the natives when I struggled with their "tipping system" and when I tried to get my car fueled... that was not cool.
And when I tried to get some gasonline and wasn´t able to get some because I had a non-American credit card.... I was forced (everytime btw) so pay some bucks in advance (cash) and then got some money back after I fueled my car. That was weird. I asked them why rhey do this - answer: We are afraid of getting betrayed and that you leave without paying. (WHAAAAAT? :-o )
So remembering my time in the US and when I see how Americans are used to be as tourists and when I see the news and tv shows and their overall habits (like how they cope with nudity, violance, politics, religion, alcohol, health system) - I unfortunately must asume for myself that I do not like Americans in general - nevertheless, there are some cool Americans around. But overall I am glad to not live in the US
@@muiggmuigg Maybe general trust in US society is lower?
Here you get some money back when you return plastic bottles and cans. I think we started recycling bottles somewhere in 1950+ in Finland.
My relationship with United States is complex to say the least (I'm swedish, btw). On one hand, seen as a whole country I generally disagree with most of their views and policies. On the other hand, most if not all American people I've met have been super friendly, intelligent, sweet and genuine people. I think it's easy to sometimes forget the size of the population and that it's important to keep in mind that the news only shows fragments of what's going on in a nation the size of Europe.
It depends on where you live in the United States. There is no set standard for every single state as far as education goes. In some of the southern states, there are a lot of people who only have a 4th grade level education, but in the north it is mandatory that you go to school up to 12th grade. I live in Wisconsin and education is quite important here. I had a friend who struggled with math and had to take algebra 2 level math twice (they were scheduled to take it a 2nd time before they moved to Utah). When they got to Utah, the school counselors looked at their transcripts and saw that they took 3 years of math, and said......"oh you're good, you don't have to take anymore math!" Some states sex educations is really important, and others it is considered evil because God doesn't talk about it in the Bible. Another thing that sucks is that a lot of people get their news/education from the media and the media isn't required to tell the truth. If some facts don't support a media outlets point of view, they won't report on it, because they already have their mind made up on what the truth is. There is so much information out there in American society (both truthful and false) that a majority of American's don't even want to take the time to do the research because they're overstimulated.
Thank you! Glad someone said that finally.
@@erics607 Which southern states allow you to drop out after 4th grade? I thought the feds set a standard of no younger than 16; with the exception of the Amish communities in PA and OH.
The US has 85 major metro cities, all bigger than Stockholm. One cannot generalize about the US. It is to diversified, to big to throw into a narrow mind.
@@ront4782 actually, only the top ten largest U.S cities are bigger than Stockholm. Besides that I completely agree with your statements.
As for eating candy etc. I think you the problem is added sugars and fats in "regular food". There's nothing wrong with having a fika every now and then, it's what you eat for breakfast, lunch etc. that makes a difference. When I was living in the US for 6 months, I was surprised by how difficult it was to find simple raw materials for cooking, a lot of things had added sweetening etc. There's a big difference in eating unsweetened youghurt and muesli, with eating sweetened youghurt with some sugary breakfast cereal.
Yeah, try to separate me from my morning bowl of Frosted Flakes LOL. No jk. But it is tempting to eat shitty food and drink sugary drinks.
This, and corn syrup in literally everything. You know what scientists give rats in a lab if they want to make them fat? Corn syrup
if anything is wrong with sweden, it is probably switzerland they mean 😆
😂😂😂
Other way around, but yes
Syntax Error haha i love it 😆😆
Syntax Error but you were right. This once beautiful country has become a shithole. 😞
@@tobsonj8114 Sure there are some tragic problems, but Sweden is still a great country by almost any measure, and it's beautiful. I was joking (including about Greta Thunberg who I think brings attention to an important issue). :-)
You pretty much covered it all, perhaps with the exception on the huge emphasis on the concept of "freedom" and patriotism. Ask someone from Sweden and someone from The USA what they think when they hear the words freedom and patriotism and I bet you would get very different answers.
The Finnish guy I know (Online mostly) in Sweden told me that "patriotism is bad" and that this is "a hard concept to get across to Americans." Personally I found his comment to be short-sighted. There's a difference between superficial patriotism and actual, outright, nationalistic "jingoism". They are two different concepts. It scares me that people from the EU can't seem to separate the two in their heads, if my friend is correct. (Though I can understand your reluctance to display national pride to a point; your next-door neighbors were annexed by Hitler.) Still, the reasons for WW2 and Hitler run a lot deeper than simply some flag-waving.
American here... yeah I’d say those stereotypes are spot on for parts of the country.
I don’t get the gun obsession here, I mean shooting can be fun but most people are not responsible enough to be driving cars let alone having access to guns.
Agree, but driving is a privilege and been arm is a right.
Francisco Ramirez but even the freedom of speech, a right, is regulated.
@@FesIRL It's the oppesite. Everyone should be allowed to get a driving license but not everyone should be allowed to own a weapon meant for murder.
Francisco Ramirez BUT should IT BE? As a non American I think not.
I think most of swedes have never shot a gun
As an American I think the biggest misconception is that America has some mono culture that applies to all 320 million people living in America.
I hear you, but that goes both ways. I don't know how many times I've read comments about some version of Sweden's supposedly homogenous society of blonds with no diversity. Little do they know that most adult Swedes have some shade of brown hair, and that Sweden has a larger immigration than the U.S. per million citizens.
well said. 6 million inn Sweden. Our 85 metro cities are all bigger than Stockholm.
I agree the difference between New Yorkers and Southerners is mind boggling.
Att resa är inte synonymt med att vara medveten och intresserad av andra kulturer eller att vara allmänbildad om andra länder. Och man kan faktiskt vara det senare nämnda utan att man rest.
Min fördom om USA är att det är ett land där allting finns i storlek XXXL. Stora; bilar, matporttioner, kläder, människor, landskap, träd, idrottsevenemang, konserter, drömmar etc..
Ja. I am an American and I agree. Mycket bra
Stora affärer att köpa sina stora prylar till sina stora hem med stora familjer som äter stora burgare på stora bbq partyn.
Det känns också som att amerikaner bryr sig mer om ytan, typ du bjuder hem folk du inte gillar eftersom det förväntas, nog för att svenskar bryr sig om att vara PK men att de typ vill ha en variation av vänner typ en asiat, en svart, ett gaypar, en vegan osv för att liksom ha någon typ av okej att visa att man tycker alla har lika värde.
Jag är föresten en adopterad svart asiat som bott mesta delen av mitt liv i Sverige så jag kan inte säga hur det är på andra ställen men här skulle det inte fungera att starta en grupp som black lives matter eftersom de officiellt redan är accepterade av den allmäna befolkningen även om det finns vitmakt grupper så är dessa ännu i minioritet. Det gör att det känns som USA har fler klyftor som är svårare att ta sig över trotts att befolkningen säger sig vara öppna vilket låter i mina öron väldigt motsägelsefullt och skumt.
Och stora skulder
Make a 7 stereotypes americans have of swedes
I liked your comment because of your profile picture
Who are swedes? What is Sweden? :D
I don't think the Americans know enough about Sweden to have any specific stereotypes about them. The only stereotype that I'm aware of is that all Swedes are tall, thin, blonde haired, blue eyed, and good looking.
Blond. Good looking. Socialist. Shy. Sexually liberal. Yodelling in the Alps (mixing us up with the Swiss).
Sorry that was only 6...
Stefan, good description of stereotypes we Swedes have about US citizens. You seem to agree with them also.
When you describe something big and complex, you have to generalize and take the big picture.
You forgot some more and important.
Excessive nationalism.
Talk a lot and say a little. Use too big words, "fantastic" when something is just ok or good. "I love you" when you just like someone. Etc., etc. The words lose meaning and value, how can one believe what such a person says. "Hmm, how much does he / she really like me?" "How good was it really?" So say what you really mean!
Define "nationalism". Because of flag waving and patriotism? Or the fact that we invaded Iraq with no provocation? Superficial patriotism, or even real patriotism, is very different than jingoism.
my dad side Swedish and I fell in love my roots jag älskar dig sverige!! 🇸🇪
Such an American comment😂❤ I hope u go one day btw swedish people are great
@@aleliortega And you are beautiful Esmeralda. And that is just a fact.
@@hurmur9528 tinder
@@aleliortega So are most Americans.
You are everything I appreciate with america. You are such a good ambassador - showing us how a smart, well educated and humble american can be.
Americans have sugar, corn starch, corn syrup, palm oil, soy starch and so on, in a higher degree in the food than in the rest of the world. It’s cheaper to produce that way. This raises and keeps the insulin on a extremely high level. This in its turn stores fat. In the rest of the world people tend to make food from not processed ingredients and prefabricated “just add water” products. It is high insulin levels that is the biggest problem.
Maybe this is why I lose weight whenever I vacation in Scandinavia?
@@stepanjansrud854 this is a bit funny because as a swede, we have the opposite problems. We always gain weight when we go on vacations
(I'm a Swede) I have such an ambivalent relationship with the US. I love parts of it's culture, how independance is cherished and how it's basically possible to live in a unincorporated area and be left alone. Sometimes i think parts of the US would be paradise for an introverted Swede. But then again, there's this puritanism and moralism in some parts of american society that i do think rhymes very poorly with the idea of minding one's own business.
And even if i love guns and i do hunt, i do think it has gone overboard in the US. Guns to me are extremely serious stuff, tools to be handled with extreme care and thought and for particular appliances and situations like hunting or competition. For me the thought of every day carrying a pistol would feel absurd, like living in a war zone.
Frederich: I'm glad to hear an opinion on here that's based more on facts and observations, rather than assumptions (as most of the people here are assuming rather than knowing.) Thank you!
@@supercolinblow Thanks. What it all boils down to is that i really like the US and most of the citizens i've met. And I do have quite a lot of relatives in Oregon, Idaho, Minnesota and North Dakota and they seem like any other people (Which is a bit of a scandinavian compliment)
But, like all countries it from time to time faces hardships, decisions to be made and crisis. I would say that the way your health care and health insurance system works has made covid more of a problem than if it was organized a slighly different way. It makes people far too economically vulnerable.
And the gun thing. It has gone from a reasonable familiarity to a somewhat unhealthy obsession. That is nothing unique for the US and in an historical view, people and nations has had these kind of phases. The Netherlands in the 1600s became so fixated with tulips it wrecked their entire economy. These things happen. They either culminate in chaos or ebb out.
So i guess we'll se how it plays out. Either way i'm visiting the US at a later covid safe time.
Most swedes do loves traveling but yes we are not so into other cultures, all we want is a nice warm weather to get a sun burn, cheap beer and good food thats all :D
I've been in Sweden since February (moved from North Carolina) and I was definitely surprised how much candy and sweets in general there are here. What I think is interesting is that IMO America has a "diet" culture to a degree that I haven't seen yet in Sweden. So here it's pretty normal to have candy or fika or whatever, and it's just part of your life, but in America there's a much larger (heh) part of the population on a non-stop diet train of shame and restriction followed by binging and mentality of "good foods bad foods".
Yeah, it seems like in the US it´s more of an all or nothing attitude, when it comes to food. That you´re either very health concious and exclude certain food items and turn it into a life style, or you binge huge portions of fast food. While in Sweden I think things are done in moderation. We eat fast food, but smaller sizes, and not every week.
When I think about this, I wonder if this about shame, restriction, good foods, bad foods mentality has a bit to do with religiousity. Not that it has anything with religiousity in itself, but it´s a part on how you were raised, and those things are then used for foods to. That it´s a difference in mentality. That it´s like a sin to endulge in some delicious piece of cake, and if you do you need to repent by exercising hard. While a person who hasn´t been raised in a culture with the concept of sin, is less likely to have that good vs evil mindset when it comes to food. But I don´t know. It was just a thought that crossed my mind.
How is the US allowed to have different news channels for each political view/religion? News should be unbiased news. American news look like a drama
All news are political in some way. The Swedish news channel like SVT and SR are very much influenced by the more left political parties.
I wish we had good news outlets 😔 I don’t even watch it anymore. (American)
almost all swedish news sources are biased aswell, it's just not as obvious as in the us.
@C J true, atleast the mainstream sources
I’m an American and I agree about the news. I am in my 40s and it never used to be like this. We have an idiot in office. Fox News is for his brainwashed followers. In the 1980s and 90s newscasters would just read from the paper they were given and just state the facts. News now is everyone’s opinions. It’s terrible. Can’t wait until this president is out of office. I’m voting for literally anyone but Trump.
I went to America once on vacation and stayed at a Holiday Inn. I kid you not, there were more doughnuts and pastries than savoury bread, and I'd bet that bread probably had sugar in it. Kinda says a lot!
A lot of hotels in the US serve a "continental breakfast" (I am confused as to why they call it this, especially because, yes, they serve doughnuts.) Not a bad observation I must say! Where did you visit in the US?
Americans always mix Sweden with Switzerland.
Even when TSA Agents were looking at my passport they said "Ah you're from Switzerland!" >.
True facts. I had this online american friend that said "Oh yeah Sweden, i've heard of it, isn't that where all the great chocolate comes from?" And i was like "No honey, that would be Switzerland." They seriously don't know the difference.
@@erasedshallbehisname5100 Heard that one aswell ^^ With an addition of how beautiful our small mountainous country is haha
Yeah, it must have been really confusing for the american viewers when the final of the world championship in hockey 2018 was between sweden and switzerland 😄
Not only Americans...
They like look at the word ”Sweden” and be like, am i reading that wrong? Oh it probably says switzerland!
I was shocked by the size of the “little cup” when I first time arrived to US 🤣
Born and raised in the states and am still shocked every time as it seems to be getting larger! I get child size or no beverage
I and my American boyfriend looked up some different things that both countries have to see if there would be any difference. For example Redbull, a normal 33cl Redbull contained 3 times the amount of sugar in America than in Sweden. We also looked up the sizes of cups you got at fast food places for soda, a big cup in Sweden was seen as a small cup in America..
I'm made in US of Swedish parts. I saw the Australian PM at the time on interview shows after another US mass shooting. What I remember is Australia didn't ban guns but regulates them like motor vehicles i.e. licencing, regulating, taxing, etc.
No, after the Port Arthur massacre, the Aussie government---oddly enough, the right-wing party did it---banned all guns from civilian ownership.
You're my second favourite American! And I have spent many years over there in Salem, Oregon, in the 80's and in Columbus,Ohio, in the 90's. My favourite American is my Ohio-born son of course who is only a few years younger than you and he a lot like you! ! I hope you are having a great summer!
😍🙏🏼
The nice stereotype I had a difficult time wrapping my head around. I live in the Midwest and people who live in the Midwest most of the time are super friendly and will help out with anything, yet people on the East coast just seem to be rude or ignorant. However as you have talked about, Swedes don't have the same mindset as American's so someone from the East coast could be considered friendly to them. Plus with people being rude and ignorant, you also have the southern niceness/hospitality. I do agree that in general, Americans tend to not have open minds. American's love to think that they're #1 in the world or that they know everything. I watched a video yesterday about how Sweden has public busses that run off of methane, and that they import garbage from other countries to help make their country more sustainable/green. That shocked me, because it's kind of embarrassing that countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, etc.....can figure this stuff out, yet the United States can't even implement it.
The loose clothing thing is very true. I work at an international company here in Sweden, and we do get quite a few Americans coming here. I can almost always tell someone's from the US before he (they are always men) opens his mouth, just looking at his clothes. They seem to always wear suits that are three sizes too big.
Maybe they were big when they came here and lost like 20kg instantly because they couldn't find super extra large buckets of pure fat.
@@erik.... Ha ha !
My stereotype of americans as an dane is that they are very polarized/torn like if you have two different political parties you vote for you can't or have a had time being friends
I loved this topic and I would like to suggest that you keep doing that theme maybe inviting people from other nationalities and disgusting the other stereotypes from swedish point of view
Swede in America here. Americans generally don’t know a lot about the rest of the world. When I say I’m Swedish they barely know where it is. Americans think Europe consists of France, Italy, Great Britain and Spain. So much food is labeled like “French vanilla coffee”, “Swiss cheese”, “Italian bread”. Italian bread is the saddest loaf of white bread you can find 😂 all this just to make things sound exotic
My Swedish stereotypes of Americans are:
*) They have very good universities (in science) that has produced many Nobel price winners.
*) At the same time, they have a lot of religious lunatics and pretty ignorant people.
*) Half of the poulation is slim and healthy and the other half is fat, pretty binary.
*) The state is not trying to tell you the details on how you should live your life.
*) You are allowed to defend yourself, for good and for bad.
@Rita Roork Well, you seem to miss most of my points dear (except the one on that iron age fantasy called religion).
@Rita Roork You are kind of right that Sweden is pretty socialist though. With an huge *total* tax of 30% hidden tax + 30% visible tax + 25% sales tax + heavy point taxes. There are a lot of religious lunatics here too, btw. Some belive in your god, many others have their own, but most belive in globalism and totalitarism (which may actually be the most dangerous sect of them all, in the long run).
@Rita Roork I'm not your "sweetie" either... You seem to have som issues with reading comprehension. I'm not defending high taxes either, as they largely go to corruption. More and more so for every decade.
I'm glad you are confindent in your fantasy world though. Religion have helped many people feel better and survive hardship. That's probably why the evolution have kept this trait, this tendency to belive in whatever makes you feel good.
@Rita Roork Piss off!
OMG I was thinking the same thing. ..I tend to each more candy and soda here than I did in the US. Now that you mention it, it probably does have to do with me seeing Swedes (who I subconciously think of as healthy) do it, and I subconciously think it is ok to do it too.
One stereotype i have concerns about is bragging. It looks like that Americans seem to find it beneficial and as a good thing to brag about themselves or their property. Which in a Swedes eye can make them seem self-absorbed or egocentric and not think or relate to other people. In Sweden that is a ugly thing and not nice. We have a name for it also, it is called Jantelagen.
Haha that was 99% right if you ask me.
People will have some funny reactions when they find out that I speak a good amout of French and that I am learning to speak Swedish. Here in the USA more so here in the south I think, people have the idea that if it is not American then it has no importance. I feel like we need to look up to othet countrys like Sweden. We are after all a very young country and should look to the elder countrys for wisdom.
Awesome video Stefan. Have an amazing Thursday, Andreas
I resently saw an episode from "På gränsen med Peter Jihde" and in that episode they talked about the guns in the US. I was in shock the whole time... He talked to a couple who was going to give their grandchild, who was 4, a small gun to play with... Like..WHAT?!
Yeah, but that's like sending an American TV team to Sweden to find that one family who won't reveal their child's gender because doing so will mold the child under some oppressive gender roles. Foreign journalist love to seek out some weird shit few among the people who acually live there have ever heard of, or at best seen on TV. What if people just learn that just because a TV program shows something from a country, that doesn't necessarily mean it's representative.
It’s funny, the better your Swedish is getting the more of a slight Swedish twang you’re getting when speaking English! Pretty cool
As an American, I have 4 bucket list places I want to go to. One of them is Sweden, as a matter of fact! We have family friends who live there. The sad truth is that I do not have a passport, solely because of affordability. But, once I get the money, I want one! I have not seen my friend Hilda (she's one of the Swedes) in almost 10 years and I miss her very much and am eager year after year to see her again! But, I feel that even if I didn't know Hilda and her amazing family, I would still love to learn about other cultures, simply because I am a huge nerd. But thanks for sharing!
How much does a passport cost? In Sweden, it's 400 crowns, between $40-50.
@@rickardelimaa in America, it’s $145. This is with application fees. I live in a big family, so getting a passport for everyone would be around $900-$1000. And with Joe Biden potentially raising taxes and things like that, the cost has a potential to raise. We’re also dealing with college and cars and things like that, which are more immediately needed than a passport. But, hopefully we’ll be able to afford passports soon!
ALL. SO. TRUE.
-source: am American 🇺🇸
Here's a stereotype about Americans I have as a Finn, and a pet peeve of mine: when they speak as if they were the only country with democracy and freedoms in the world. "What makes the US unique is that here we can freely criticize the government" -- they say stuff like that with a straight face. It's so cringy. I mean, yeah, the 1st amendment is more permissive in the US than in some European countries, but that's a minor difference and hardly warrants the sense of exceptionalism. Also, free speech may be enshrined in the constitution but still curtailed in practice in various ways -- e.g., by firing a journalist for speaking against the Iraq war when the government was pushing for it.
Or Bush forcing a journalist to publish his story on him later on, only after he was re-elected.
Stereotype is not the word to describe it, but there is one thing that a lot of you people do that sort of irritates me. I raised the subject in the comment-section of another video here on youtube, and it immediately got a lot of negative reactions. They would tell me that I was wrong and stupid and ignorant and they'd refuse to see my point and misunderstand on purpose. Now in this video, you did that thing that irritate me.
The subject I am talking about is that some people of the U.S monopolize the word/name America. In the mind of a U.S citizen, America is a country - their country, whereas I adhere that The United states of America is called that because it is a nation compiled of 50 states located on the CONTINENT of (North)America. In the video, you talked about America and Mexico, but Mexico is also located on the continent of (North)America. I might get my head chewed off here, but I hope not. I'm not trying to offend anyone.
Ohh didn't think of it but I leave a comment here just to see what people think :D
Well in Argentina they teach us that America is what some people call "North America, South America and Centre America" because geologically is the same continent so there's one big America lol
@@aleliortega That's actually true. It was a fully connected continent before they dug the Panama-canal.
@@tommiejonsson8952 what? stills connected below sea level, they cut a few meters but nothing compared to the depth of the continent under water
@@aleliortega With that logic Europe, Asia and Africa is also one giant big continent. :)
As an American I've never understood the stereotype that Americans don't travel, because we often don't go outside the US. As you point out, the US is almost as big as the entirety of Europe. Each state very well could be its own country in that regard, just with a common language.
Also, Europeans definitely seem to have a misconception that the US consists of one culture. Between big cities like LA, New York City, Chicago, Seattle, Boston, etc. And areas like the deep south, Texas, the Midwest, New England, and so on there are definitely many cultures within the US.
So yeah, many of us don't find the need to drop thousands of dollars on plane tickets alone to travel all around the world. It's not the same as just staying in Sweden your whole life and just going to Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Salmö, and occasionally toward the Northlands.
Yea but that’s still not the same thing as traveling to different countries
The obesity problem in the US isn't just because of fast food in specific. It isn't just that Americans only eat from the fast food drive through all the time...most people don't. But most people eat convenience foods, a lot of frozen and prepackaged meals that take 5 to 10 minutes to cook, because we tend to work more hours and have personal time, little to no vacation or sick days, some people work multiple jobs even. So we're in a hurry and we're tired, we don't want to invest much time in cooking. We do have a shocking amount of high fructose corn syrup in foods that you wouldn't expect it, even in foods that aren't supposed to be sweet, like sandwich bread. It's in your ketchup and mustard too. Frozen foods are usually high in fat and shockingly high in sodium. I was looking at a container of Panera Broccoli Cheddar soup only to discover that one bowl of soup contained 40% of your daily value of sodium, and I can't even imagine why it would even need that much salt. So I'm going to guess that Swedish people can have their candy and their daily kanelbullar at fika and it doesn't make as much on an impact because their general diet doesn't have as much sugar, salt, and trans fats and the American one and also the culture is perhaps not as car based, people walk and ride bikes more, and people aren't as sleep deprived because they have more work-life balance. Less or poorer sleep causes your body to overproduce cortisol which causes you to put on weight. Americans have a lot of issues with sleep and gut health.
Rabbi, let's face it, there is a lot of poverty in our country. I'm not proud of it and we could be doing better, especially now that Biden, someone who actually cares is in office. I think it's the poverty that skews the data as poor people don't have access to healthy foods, and don't have the time to exercise, because they're working a lot to pay the bills. If Sweden had 45% people of color, they might not be criticizing the US so much.
@@ront4782 This is true, but also because there is so much high fructose corn syrup in American foods, and often really high sodium. Also, gut health and undersleeping can contribute to weight problems.
And btw, congrats to the sponsor! 😁 Is this your first? I've never seen you having sponsors before (have I? 🤔).
For those who enjoy "our" stereotypes lol: YES, We are TOO CHATTY... and we know it. Even we don't like it as much as others think we do. Where we don't like it (generally speaking) is in restaurants or stores. Employers in America train their employees to have a very forward approach to communicating with customers. Some even take it a step farther (literally) with a "foot-in-the-door" approach when they see a customer or if their job performance depends on it they can appear aggressive in their approach to talk/sale to you. For example, you can walk into one store and get a simple "hello, welcome" coming your way the moment you walk in. In other stores you might get that greeting, or none at all, and in some stores you will be greeted by an employee that will pop up talking to you when you're minding your business preoccupied with shopping. Restaurants are the same way; you can eat at one and the conversation happens when you order your food. Once you sit down you're alone to yourself. But others.... be prepared to make a new friend who comes to check on you as you eat every 10-15min.
Good point. Could be nice when you just meet some random person if they say hello. But to forceful sale could be really annoying.
Pretty much spot on, I'm Swedish but moved to downtown Chicago a couple of years ago. Downtown Chicago is obviously a lot different than rural Indiana for example but there are still huge cultural differences. Both good and bad!
I love this video ,so much of this is true , most Americans think Copenhagen is in Holland.
I totally understand that the USA is not as popular as it once was, but after reading the countless amounts of negative comments, i could't help but wonder how many Swedes have actually traveled to the USA for a reasonable amount of time? I agree that the USA is divisive, and has a lot of things to iron out (to put it lightly), but i've noticed certain Europeans will compare there country to America, which is usually massively different in terms of size, population, topography, and demographic. For example, Sweden's entire population is the size of Chicago metro area. I have several Swedish friends who travel internationally to France, Spain, etc. The distance to those countries is still relatively short in the US. It would be like an American traveling from New York to New Orleans. Anyway, i totally respect your opinion, but most of my friends who travel to the US from outside the country get a very different experience (for the better) than just searching on the internet or watching the news.
I think most of the negative comments are valid, but I HIGHLY doubt most europeans that are critical of the u.s have been here for an extended amount of time. American media is heavily consumed globally, so people think they know more about us they then actually do. For example, people always think american food is hot dogs and hamburgers, as if soul food doesn't exist. Or the idea that americans are more patriotic, yet most europeans think they are superior. Hell, as divisive as america is, there's still discussions about race, homophobia, etc here which is sort of indirectly acknowledging there's a problem. Countries like canada claim to be super "nice" yet that country has a dark history with genocide/racism that is still an issue to this day, but people act like racism is an american thing. the fucking irony of people thinking americans are narcistic/patriotic yet think being european makes them superior is astounding. i cant tell you the amount of times i'll be lazily listening to a british podcast, for them to suddenly go on a tangent about how americans have a shitty sense of humor, but there's is better, but oh wait, its americans that are patriotic?
@@nalad9387 I agree with everything you are saying. Those stereotypes that most people have pointed out have truth to them, but they are also only focusing on the very worst that America has to offer. The people they are describing are very poor, overweight, poorly traveled, and extremely generic. The United States has not only been the most innovative country the last 140 years, but also the most artistically innovative. Music like rock n roll (the south), gospel, jazz (new orleans), blues (mississippi delta), country, house music (chicago) techno (detroit), hip hop / rap (new york) have all influenced the world without measure. I had a friend from France visit me one time while she was traveling all across the US (and the world), and she said that she felt American's were a lot more open then the Europeans she grew up with. That the reason Europe has so much of an issue with the US is bc they believe they are the center of the universe, and the Americans think they are the center of the universe too. When they say Americans don't know much about the world, what they really mean is they don't know much about them. But that Europeans are just as ignorant when talking about cultures and issues outside of their own continent.
Interesting video. Well done Stefan !
Great video and intriguing topic! I think that there are elements of truth within each ‘stereotype’, or perception. I grew up in New York State, lived in Minnesota for 4 years, and now live in Wisconsin. Each of these states are very different in terms of culture, language, accent, food, style of dress, etc. For example, in New York, people are DEFinitely louder than folks in Minnesota! All that said I did enjoy the results of your poll! It gives one the opportunity to reflect on the perceptions and perhaps choose to treat ourselves and others in a kinder, more healthy way. And P.S. - I am a certified extrovert. I enjoy interacting with people, so I will say hi to you in Target or the grocery store! Cheers! 😆
I know Minnesota was the no 1 state for immigrating Swedes, and I think both Finns and Norwegians went there too. Perhaps the Nordic temper lasted? 🤔😂
Anna Backman Yes, great point! Also it is Sooooo cold there in the winter, like Sweden!
Good point. US must vary a lot since it rather large and vary in people, weather and density.
I would say my biggest stereotype of Americans, is the extreme attraction to capitalism. I know, in every country people will step upon each other to get ahead or get a bit more money, but an entire country based on that kind of thinking?....
Well, I do agree with one thing, WE ARE MOSTLY TO NICE HEHEHE when I’m hiking and I pass someone we immediately say hi and how is it going?
I feel like such a jerk if I don’t greet someone!! Like you just can’t get away with not saying hello.
@@slydakota8143 in sweden most elders atleast nod to you, middleaged people just look straight past you and younger people pick up their phone. it's a bit strange, ngl, but that's just the way we do it.
Haha thats sweet anyways i think being friendly is a good trait😊
If I get eye contact with someone passing and see their body language that they want to say "hi", then I say "hi". But that is mostly older people. :)
Is that the case in NYC?
(2.) In the US, the portion size is much bigger at every meal. Alot is deep fried, and vegetables aren't as common on the plate as in Sweden. In the US, everything they eat, they call "food". There is no distinction between candy, chips, soda, snacks, and food, like in Sweden. If we say "mat", that never includes other edibles that real food food. Breakfast in the US is usually larger, more greasy, and it's not uncommon to have a huge cinnamon roll with alot of sugar and stuff on top, and a coffee, or huge muffins or donuts, that the motels serve for breakfast. These are all clichés, but on average, they're quite acurate. Then there are people that eat healthy everywhere, of course, if you can find healthy options.
The obesity problem in America, I feel like, is more due to the sedentary lifestyles and portions sizes. In Sweden, I pretty much walk/bike everywhere. Even if I take public transport during winter, I still have to walk for 15 min to reach the nearest station. Daily exercise really adds up over time. Although Swedish people indulge in unhealthy foods such as, candy, fast foods, fika..etc, very often, food in general comes in smaller portions than in the US.
Whenever I watch an American in a video like this, I always turn the sound down to less than the half the volyme, because you speak so loudly. Even when you´re alone, talking to the camera.
When it comes to fast food, I feel like in the US it´s either eating a lot huge portions of fast food, or being super health concious avoiding a lot of foods. While in Sweden it´s more... lagom... In moderation. We eat fast food, but not as much, and smaller portions. We are pretty health concious, but often not taken to the extreme.
Another prejudice I have about Americans is that they make decisions with "their gut", and do what feels right, and can be persuaded by emotional arguments, while Swedes are more mind oriented, and can be persuaded by fact arguments. If there are studies that shows that a certain method is more effective and gets a better result, Swedes are more likely to go with that, while Americans can be more like "bah, studies, yeah, right, I rather do what feels right!". About the friendliness, Americans are a bit like dogs while Swedes are like cats. It´s not like the cat like you less, it´s just not a pack animal the way the dog is. If you give it a bit time, the cat will come to you, it´s curious and interested, but more cautious.
It´s not that Americans don´t travel as much, a lot of them only watch American TV-series and movies.
The tendency to watch mostly American series could be due to the fact that a single "Season" of a TV show is 26 episodes. In other countries (maybe Sweden too?) a season is 6 episodes---far less to binge-watch.
OMG, I just remembered, last July as I was coming home from Sweden, I boarded the plane in Chicago that was flying to Omaha. IT WAS SO NOISY! All I could think about is the stereotype that Americans are loud and obnoxious; "why can't everyone just stop talking?" 😒
hey bro love your show!!! can you talk about if you traveled your experiences with girls from different countries you been to and what's the easiest countries to hookup and what races do good in these countries on your next video thanks!!!
It's all down to moderation. You can eat fast food and still be healthy as long as you don't eat it too often or too much of it :-) That's usually what the bigger bodied people have a problem with, eating too much of the bad stuff.
By the way, if you want to try another really good barber with many years of experience then go to the Lazy Barber near Lilla Essingen. It's my local barber and they're really really good. I also love the 50's theme they have there. If you ever do, tell them Jonathan recommended you to go there ;-)
That we keep things to ourselves and don't confront each other is one of the things that makes the most comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time.
yea, you tried like hell to keep your covid response quite. Hey, how'd that herd immunity work for you? How many grandparents died because you didn't speak up?
Regarding the religious point:
There's a theory that Americans are much more religious due to the fact that a part of the European immigrants believed in "free church" movements (mormon, amish, jehova's witness, etc) and when Europe was christened, they chose to emigrate to America rather than convert to the christian church.
In Sweden, most of the emigrants ("utvandrarna") where poor farmers but there were some "frikyrkliga" as well. This was mentioned in an episode of "Allt för Sverige".
Agree 100% really good vid 👏🏼👏🏼
He was drunk during this video 😂
I agreeee!!! They're sooo rue. It's true it's such a big country but that is not a good excuse to ignore soo much about other countries. At the same time we find helpful Americans all over the world. Your country has helped so many people all over. So I'm thankful even though they think Buenos Aires is in Brazil, etc. It's all the same! It s not the US
I'm a swede and one thing I have always noticed about americans is that they through around the word love all the time. They can say "I love you" to a person they have just met and I have also heard it being used as a goodbye. I guess this goes whith the stereotype of americans being too friendly.
Im gonna say this: Americas “style” was all teens in Sweden 2010...
I mean, yeah.. pretty much.
And now the Swedish style is 1990s boybands..
Loud and friendly... Even people that say they are introverts were huggy and friendly. I was super surprised when my american boss who I had never met just yelled OMG it's you! Come give me a hug ^^ It was nice but part of me was not expecting such enthusiasm and friendliness... It was cute. I still went red in the face feeling put on the spot. I know she meant well.
@Amy: I think you should look at this as most Americans are very friendly and do welcome most people with open arms. I think that most Americans genuinely want to help others; we feel we are blessed and by serving and be kind to others we grow. Of course this isn't every American. And don't turn this into a political thing. If someone really and truly needs help, most of us are willing to help. However, don't take advantage of us. For that matter, no body likes to be taken advantage of. (Well almost nobody, there are exceptions to every rule.)
As an American, I pretty much agree with all of those. I do have to say though with the food and the clothing stereotypes, I don't think it is the people's "fault" so much as the society and capitalistic structure. The people in power are so focused on making money and having power that they will cause harm and make things less nice and quality for the people. I am not sure how it is in other countries if the people in power are the same way.
One thing that strengenth the meaning of amarican ignorance that I haven´t seen mentioned yet, is that so many english speaking just dont understand what its like to change language, t make the effort to learn another language. I have even met grown up americans that believe that Europe is one country, Paris is the capitol, and everybody speaks funny accents - yet English.
Hey Stefan! Thanks so much for your videos! COVID quarantine life has my family reflecting a lot on our lives and want to enrich our experiences. We have been watching your videos a lot! Looking for online Swedish courses for my upcoming furlough from work. Any suggestions? Duolingo of course, but any other ideas? Folkuniversitetet has some online classes too but budget wise would not be the best for our family during this time
There are a lot of good educational youtube videos on the language and culture
I think Slow Swedish with Katrin Berndt is pretty good
Thank you, Lisa! Found some good ones with many videos too. In the past I would find someone’s videos I like but they would only make a handful of Swedish videos then stop making them. I was discouraged to look back on RUclips, but thankfully you re-encouraged me to search again.
Nicole Kennedy no problem!!
I don´t have any courses to suggest, but just a few ideas. You can listen to Swedish songs, and then try to translate the lyrics. You can try to read children´s books in Swedish, or cartoons. You can watch Swedish movies and TV-series, even if you don´t understand everything it always good to hear a language a lot. You can play a game with your family where you try to name as many things around you in your home in Swedish. Or when you´re alone, competing with yourself. Like "how many kitchen items/clothes items/animals/colors/food items do I know in Swedish?" and then write down your progress. Each week you'll be learning a few more, breaking your previous records hopefully. Good luck!
Stereotypes I have of America
1: a lot of fast food and added sugar to regular food. (More unhealthy food)
2: not aware of the other countries in the world and mixes up a lot of countries with the other, for example Sweden and Switzerland. Some Americans think we have polar bears walking on the streets. Very ignorant and probably not learning very much geography in school.
3: always trying to flex with their big houses or big gardens and always tries to talk to strangers. Loud.
4: thinks that the world revolves around them.
I am not saying that these is for every single American. It’s just the things we joked about in our family. I’m not trying to insult any American it’s just the stereotypes I picked up and learned about which also can be false. Please no angry American responding to this
And that part where you said that Americans don’t travel and that’s why they don’t know much.
It’s not very much about where you travel. It’s about what you learn in school for example we learn about the Nordic countries, Islam, Christianity, in some cases Native Americans. And we also see a lot of stuff on the TV like news about other countries. We are pretty aware of religions and countries and what is happening around the world without flying to another country. Us Swedes just have that stereotypes because we have probably met an American or a family member has met an American that mixed up Sweden with Switzerland and we see that as very ignorant cause most of them haven’t learned about other countries and mostly focus on America. They might know some countries names like Italy, Spain, France, Japan, China. You get what I mean, they might know names but they don’t know much about the countries cause the probably don’t want to learn, or else they would’ve done research if they were interested. It’s not about where you travel, it’s about what you learn growing up or what research you do
Many of these characteristics sounds like signs of poverty: like tendency to religiousness, inability to travel and overreliance on fast food.
We don't have an "inability to travel". I've been to Europe 3 times. Now that's unusual for an American, but plenty of us do travel and there are Americans who have been to Europe. You all have to stop thinking of Europe as the whole world. In this provincial view of things, you're no different from us.
@@supercolinblow Only 42% of your population had a passport in 2016
@@jonaspersson8228 so what? look at the geography of the situation. Most Americans don't live right next door to a foreign country. Americans can travel 1000 km and still be in the same country. There's less need for a passport when you're not crossing borders. And as far as travelling to Europe, transatlantic trips are expensive. You, on the other hand, can travel 1,000 km and have been through a bunch of countries. Swedes have more need of a passport than Americans.
Niclas, they are just wrong, not truthful. Again, US is 280 million people. If one even tries to apply generalities to our diversity, it is laughable, and just shows ignorance of the US.
@@jonaspersson8228 The US is so big. We have everything here that you have and much more. We have diverse cities. We have actual mountains, not hills you call mountains. We have black people. You have a handful. We have deserts. None in Sweden. We have JAZZ! You just want our jazz and fake it when you can. We have every race on the planet living among us. You have just a few from a few countries.
As a Polish person who had been in USA once only for a month, I would say that my stereotypes are:
- people from USA tend to dress sloppy (especially in small towns)
- a lot of truly obese people
- chatty and staight forward, smile a lot and seem very friendly
- don't know a lot about Europe or the world outside of USA and history
Really enjoy your videos!
A lot of comments seem to be about guns but have a look at this:
worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/gun-ownership-by-country
Finland for example is number 10 on the list...
Sweden is number 20, meaning that we are actually quite well equipped also in these "peaceful" Nordic countries.
The rate in the US is 120 guns per 100 000 people.
In Finland the same number is 32 and in Sweden it´s 23.
Mostly in the Nordic area these, civilian guns, are owned in households on the countryside and used for hunting.
The major difference between the US and Sweden is that in Sweden (and all Nordic Countries) you are required to pass a theoretical written test and a practical shooting test to get a license.
Before being able to do these tests you have to have a Police clearance showing that you have a clean background.
Personally, as an owner of several guns, I think this is a good and safe way of keeping dangerous tools away from people who should not have them.
Personally I would also like the government to add that anyone who has not done his or her military service should be disqualified from private ownership!
The military is absolutely the best trainers in safe gun handling!
I've been thinking about this Americans being ignorant or not knowing much about the rest of the world-thingy. I've heard that "america is big"-argument before, and thought "Europe is big too, but that doesn't make us uninterested in Australia". I mean, I just don't get how "we're big, so therefore..." is a reason :p I remembered one of my American friends who told me that for example "if you look at a map of where you live in America, there's just more American around, so you kind of grow ignorant of the rest of the world", but it only made me think that "when I look at a map of where I live, there's also just more Sweden around 🤔". Of course, if I zoom out I see a lot more, but when the heck do you ever look at a map of your hometown super zoomed out? My point is that just because you just "see" or get reminded of your own country most of the time, clearly doesn't mean you never bother or are curious or interested in the rest of the world. At least, it's clearly not a distinct reason. Lastly tho: aren't you one of the nicest people I've ever seen on RUclips Stefan? 😁
I even think americans, in general, are rather brainwashed to believe US is the absolute superiour country in the world. Kids are obliged in school every morning to hail and swear to the american flag, sing the national song... I've met so many americans that have even travelled the world, but they will not learn anything from other ways of lives, they keep looking for things/ appearences that will give them "proof" of that US really is the superiour country. They do not want to see other ways. I think swedes are so much more aware that we are a small country surrounded by the whole world - with good and bad parts to learn from all over, all around.
@@annikaerf also a good point. And to further strengthen(ish) your point, I think we have a lot to learn from those particular traits of the US that you're talking about 😆
@@annikaerf for one, I think we need a bit of that "brainwashing", but in a more sensible way, in the sense that we swedes tend to lack a sense of national honor, responsibility and pride. I'm really not talking about nationalism, which it often can look like in many places in the world, but a humble appreciation for the country you're in, and for the work people do, and have done to make it great. A deep appreciation for how lucky we are to be in such a stable, prosperous and beautiful country. So no, I take the brainwashing back, but replace it with a stronger national identity and will to help out, do what's right, pay back and forward, and simply go the extra mile for your country and fellow neighbor. We tend to look (or hopefully be) smarter than a lot of what you're describing, but on the other hand too spoiled and naive to appreciate and do the best of it and what we have. Sweden lacks confidence and direction (not that America's got a lot of direction right now either tho, but that's a whole nother thing). So ye, we don't need the brainwashing, but we definitely need humility, identity and a healthy dose of patriotism.
After traveling & staying with a few host families in the USA, I’ve noticed the rigidity; the obsession with the rules and excessive punishment. It’s as if people are living constantly by corporate policies & regulations which they think give them freedom - but they totally don’t. Also, a habit where people tell on each other (often secretly) over the most ridiculous things when sometimes all you’d need is tell the person what was not okay. I felt like I was being watched constantly, security cameras everywhere, if you made a minor mistake no one would be “flexible”, understanding; people were constantly afraid of taking responsibility for anything. When I came back to Europe I felt like I could breathe easy. The amount of control that people in the U.S. have is incredible. On their communications, movements, guidelines for the simplest things.
Is the United States really that controlling in the private sphere? I haven't noticed that. That notion doesn't not prevail from a federal level considering the amount of freedom and ability to do whatever one prefers that has imprinted America for centuries. But I suppose even the freedom lovers has realized that control, stability and order is something desirable. And to reach such a state, drastic measures can be required.
Serenity it really depends on the location and community. Op said she was with host families, which can be military or religious families and so on and are therefore stricter or they’re trying to get some “ground rules” because she wasn’t their kid. Also American parents are a lot more authoritative than Swedish parents because they often view their kids as children until they turn 18 or move out. In Sweden parents are a lot more relaxed and the difference and the lack of perceived freedom as a teen or young adult can be smothering
@@GoogelyeyesSaysHej Hey, I've stayed with different host families (they weren't military or extra religious, however I did notice that some expect you to go to church with them even if it's not your faith) while I was doing culture exchange studies. After I was old enough I was able to rent a room or an apartment, and what I saw is in host families people in general expect you to do what they want even if they ask: "Will you come with us somewhere?". It's never actually a question. Same in schools. In America people ask politely but it's not a question, it's a request. Also, from observing others with their children, people are extremely cautious. Although, even if they say America is a melting pot, I've noticed American students actually stay away from foreigners; they never really mix & they could care less about the other cultures.
Also, I'd like to add I didn't just stay on school or college grounds, I tried to travel as much as I could & made some American and foreign friends.
I worked in corporate america and this is spot on. it was insanely stressful for no reason, if my team made a TINY mistake, it was as if the world was ending. We were treated like dirt and like we didn't matter, but we were held accountable as if our job had this huge impact. At the same time, we were expected to kiss ass to the higher ups as if we had a chance to "climb the corportate ladder", but this wasn't true at all, my position had no job growth, but they pretended we did to manipulate us into giving our all for the small chance at getting promoted. They tried to pit everyone against each other, and there wasn't any room for mistakes. American capitalism really encourages these environments, and they create a hierarchy so that people at the bottom (who are the most vulnerable people in our society) are constantly forced to sacrifice and compromise themselves for a TINY chance at a better life.
I am an American with a fascination with Swedish lifestyle and culture. America is very backwards and I will move to Sverige one day!
you're welcome!
I'm a Swedish Canadian, and my father was American.
In my experience with him, his American relatives, and American entertainment, I would have to suggest that the stereotypes you listed are probably around 80% accurate for the overall population of USA.
That is to say, around 80% of the population fits at least 4 or 5 of these 7 stereotypes. Many Americans would ev
would even proudly defend such stereotypes as aspirational goals.
I don't know if you have mentioned this in some other video but what is your opinion on Lördagsgodis? I don't know if it's a thing in other countries but here in sweden, we mostly reserve things like candy, snacks and soda for fridays and saturdays.
One of the reasons I will not live in Sweden anymore. I don't eat a lot of sugar, but I damn well don't want my government to keep me eating chocolate on Fridays, if I want.
I think if you compared West Coast states to Sweden on each stereotype you'd find very similar numbers except maybe in gun ownership per capita simply because it's in our constitution. Overall urban areas are more fit, more stylish, more "polite but keep to themselves" (Seattle Freeze), less religious, have more healthy eating options (keto, GF, organic, vegan). You're from this reigion like me, which is probably why you love Sweden.
Sweden have among the highest guns per capita in the western world. It is mostly scoped hunting rifles for hunting moose.
Apt comparisons in this one for sure, well played.
PS. On one cruise a small boy had to help on the stage in a show and that was funny. He did a great job! Then after - sitting on the deck smoking (yes, bad habit I sometimes use during a vacation), an American couple sat beside me and we started talking. The man ended up with saying about the boy and for himself in a loud voice "Proud to be an American". And I just thought "Of course your are proud to be an American! I'm proud to be Swedish, dumbass!". He said it in a very arrogant tone that I actually had to politely say goodnight and take my leave. Hahaha!! I was annoyed because why even say that in such way? Why not say "I was really proud of that little boy, he did a great job being up on that stage" in a more humble way? Just a thought. DS.
also, the australian thing, they got rid of the gunviolence, but stabbings increased to counteract the drop completely.
Update on Australia and guns...since that recall happened, there are MORE guns per household than before the Australian government declared, "No more guns!" Check it out.
To the rest of the world, America is comprised of two continents, which in turn are comprised of about 50-60 countries, of which one is the USA. A stereotype of Americans I have is that many of them fail to acknowledge this. To me, the country is the United States, the continent is (North) America. I have met a lot of people from Latin America who often reflect on the fact that to the average American, they (as Latin Americans) aren't considered part of America or as Americans. I imagine it's a result of tradition, but it is a bit surreal to think that country takes precedence over continent.
In Sweden there is a tax for sugar in food. There for the food companys put less sugar in the food
same in parts of the US. It varies state by state, states get to vote their own laws because we are not a small little country with only 6 million homogenous people.
Lack of money is the only reason I don't travel. The desire is strong. And the situation is depressing, to put it mildly.
Very interesting. I love your videos and I would love to visit USA❤️
Thanks for yet another great video! 💖🤗
Well.. I’ve met many really kind and sensible Americans but some things that have always confused me (aka weirded me out) are the extent of patriotism and big (blind) trust in the military combined with this strong religiosity... And, to hear stuff like ”Make America great again” can be very tiresome.. 🙈
I grew up either walking or taking my bicycle everywhere and I think many Swedes are used to walk a lot. Most of the Americans I've come across are very religious, though in different churches (Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic etc). Many Americans are unfortunately truly obese, but sure - I can see some in Sweden as well. But more common in the U.S. I do hope they will and are changing their diet. Well, some Americans are very laid back considering clothes, but some are dressed like they are going out to a nice party to mingle. Thinking mostly of the women actually, since that's my experience. Nice nails, hair done, make up and dressed very nicely although (for example in Florida) it's hot as Hades! No, not all Americans are ignorant, our friends are very intelligent. But that may be because they pretty much travelled all around the world. But sure, during some of our (me and my hubby) Caribbean cruises, some did come across as completely idiots. And I get the phrase "How come you know so much?". Reading the news, interested in history, true crime, nature and several other topics? Could it be why? I'm not saying I'm really intelligent, but - sometimes - I don't know. Love your video! Great one! *thumbs up*
Elisabeth, you must have not met many Americans. Some Americans are religious, just like in your country. Some Americans are obese. Many are not. Your experience with Americans is on Caribbean cruises? No wonder. You get a very narrow type of people who are on those cruises. Most are obese, hate to travel to other cultures due to fear, like creature comforts and safety and are about 1% of Americans. So you met 1% of the undereducated, sloppy, loud, obese, fear mongering Americans in Florida and cruises and you think that is representative of 300 million people? You're kind of clueless I must say.
@@ront4782 Hi! No, I've lived in Florida so I've met many Americans. However, they don't just speak about religion (for some reason) when they here I'm from Sweden. No idea why. Our best friends are religious. Baptists. Prayers for dinner etc. But that's okay for me. I respect other's views. So, I say Amen as well for their sake and they do know me. Cruises I do know are different. Where I lived, in Florida, wasn't an obese part. Many walked a lot, run or took their bike. It wasn't Orlando. I've been there too. And yep, they are morbidly obese. Tragically so many of them. California, well, it's been a while. To me, it depends on where you go. But that's just me and really, I don't really think that much of obesity nor religion when I travel. I mostly enjoy such beautiful views - like Bryce Canyon - or walking the beech in San Diego. And maybe I am clueless, who knows. I do have friends both in different States and also American friends moved to Sweden. I'll learn, in time I guess. I think we all do learn, as long as we live. And I've also travelled around the world. Asia, Australia, lived in parts of Europe, so I'm not narrow at all. Perhaps I just wanted to be kind and not fat shaming others. And my comment wasn't put right and I'm sorry about that. But I'm far from narrow. Peace!
Dude I`m from sweden and I eat chips, popcorn, candy, drink soda and still has a hard time gaining weight
I ain’t loud at all. Most people will ask me two or three times what i said I’ve always been quite and shy kinda guy. I was actually taken to a psychiatrist because they thought something was wrong. I saw so many people talking and cutting me off I just developed a habit that I deal with today. I listen more than speak and I am a weirdo. So even if I don’t agree I listen and I learn something. But I love different cultures
When I live in sweden that 19% will go to 20% with my fatass 😂 😂 😂 but a stereotype I heard in sweden is that we put sugar in every meal is probably true because at my job we dumping kilos of sugar into food lol
@Ana Martins yes I am. I think people are intelligent enough to know where I am from. Since this video is theme towards American stereotypes, no?
@Ana Martins well I do apologize, you did came out aggressive but please don't insult me by calling me self centered. I'm not and it's rude... I do knowledge others around the globe see his channel if it makes you happy I'll write where I from next time so there won't be a misunderstanding...
Love the name;)
Ismael A. Ana seemed like she wasn’t a native English speaker in her first comment so probably didn’t realize it sounded a bit rude. And your original comment wasn’t totally clear on your nationality tbh, I was a bit confused if you were swedish too
@@GoogelyeyesSaysHej I understand that now as I am looking back the comments. I do feel bad though and I should've been more clearer. My apologies
Americans all have a mcdonalds burger in the back pocket of their blue jeans.
I can confirm, I always keep one on me as a snack for later.
@@saucyboy1695 I knew it.
One thing we as Swedes often times think about the U.S. is that many Americans consider their country superior to any other countries. "The greatest country" not only in the world, but "on the face on the earth".
This doesn't sit too well with the rest of us though.
Something I been thinking of is the pride of heritage that seems to be very alive in the US. And almost non existent in Sweden. That fascinates me. I don't mean nationalism, but the interest and intense desire to know where you come from, even though your family has lived in the States for hunsreds of years.
Swedes are like: Who gives a f**k, pass me the fika!
I'm not saying that one is better than the other, just that it differs.
I think the obesity in america has more to do with microbiology. Bad gut floras and other microbiological factors.
Usually I ask people as a thought experiment: "Is it the lack of exercise that causes heart disease, or is it the heart disease that makes the exercise more difficult and undesired?"
As you say, swedes eat a lot of fika, so there's definetly other factors behind the scenes, that people dont take into account.
A little bit ignorant about the world and history outside of their own country. Loud and can be somewhat obnoxious. Easy to impress probably due to the lack of education ( maybe ). we did have an exchange student from California ( Palo Alto ) for a year and i met a lot of her friends ( she was in the university ) i learned a lot but it was a long time ago. They dress like teens until they are grown up and out of school. My dress sense was very good at the time and they was wondering why i was dressed to go out when it was just the way i dressed. BUT they are so friendly and sweet and easy to engaged with. i love all the different accents and like i said very sweet and nice and helpful.
I'm American and have never been to Sweden. But I feel like my personality is more swedish haha
2:20 yes. it's the corn.
One thing that really strikes me is how similar swedish people tend to dress, talk, decorate their homes, etc. I feel like America holds a greater acceptans when it comes to personal style and individualism.
Swedes in general like to follow trends and fashion and think it is both important and fun. But there are very many who do not, perhaps because the economy is bad or has no interest. If you look at those who like/think that fashion is important, they more often live in larger cities. I have friends in both camps and it does not matter to either of us, how the other has it at home or dresses.
Swedes get more exercise. Esp if they're one of the ones that bike everywhere.
The stereotype of fast food and fat people is definitely true, but I, like you, didn't eat that way when I lived in the US. Occasionally, but not often by any means. I didn't snack or eat between meals in the States, so fika has been a killer for me. I've gained 6 kilos since I moved here, despite no big changes in overall diet or exercise. It's hard to refuse fika, but I've decided to forego the sweets and bread and stick to coffee.
Jim Jefferies on Gun Control is hilarious :)